About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts showing a keen interest in the living things they find in their own backyard or at a local park. It is a perfect selection for the 'why' and 'how' stage of development, where children are eager to classify and understand the natural world. Jim Arnosky uses realistic, detailed illustrations and accessible text to transform a common creature into a subject of wonder and scientific inquiry. While the book provides factual information about life cycles and habitats, it also addresses the sensory experience of nature. The inclusion of the ancient Greek frog croak, brekekekex koax koax, adds a whimsical historical layer that encourages children to listen more closely to the sounds around them. It is an excellent choice for building vocabulary and fostering a lifelong respect for wildlife through a gentle, curiosity-driven lens.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is a secular, direct look at biology. It touches on predator-prey relationships and the cycle of life in a factual, age-appropriate manner without being graphic or distressing.
Ideal Reader
A first or second grader who loves getting their boots muddy looking for critters. It is perfect for the child who brings a 'treasure' from the pond home and wants to know everything about it.
