The Frog Scientist, written by Pamela S Turner and photographs by Andy Comins. Houghton Mifflin, T Allen. 2009. $22.50 ages 10 and up

"Amphibian means "double life". Most amphibians begin their life in a watery world, breathing through fishlike gills. Then they transform into an entirely different creature: an air-breathing animal."

I look forward to each new publication in this wonderful Scientists in the Field series. They are filled with the wonder of nature and the dogged determination of scientists whose task is to find out about their preferred field of study and then pass what they are learning on to us. They do it in a way that makes even the most reluctant science student (me!) more knowledgeable and fascinated with their topic.

In this fine book we meet Dr. Tyrone Hayes, who has a love for frogs and does much needed research on the effects of pesticides on the amphibian population. A rapid decline is happening around the world in these animal groups and pesticides may be one of the causes. We accompany him to a research site in Wyoming and then back to California. As we go he explains exactly what he is doing, how he does it, and why it is important. Despite the fact that he is a brilliant scientist, he seems like a friend as he works hard but takes time for laughter and enjoyment of the time spent with his family and the 'Frog Squad' students who look to him for guidance and blossom under his tutelage.

The organization of material is outstanding and clear. We can see visually the process of the experiments and understand the need to know what is happening. Color photos are brilliant and add to our understanding in clearly visible images.

Here is science in action and a clear call for more of the same. Bravo to Dr. Turner, his students and to Houghton Mifflin for making this wonderful series available for study. Let us not forget the storytelling ability of Pamela Turner...she makes a scientific study such a pleasure to read, or Andy Comins' photography which puts us on the front line to learning. The images are spectacular, in his first book for children. Let's hope it is the beginning of a long career in literature for our kids.

Two parts scientific study, one part biography and one part mystery...put them together and they add up to one fine book...worthy of your attention.