The Toad, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. Tundra Books, Random House. 2016. $12.99 ages 6 and up

"The toad eats mostly bugs, worms and spiders. The toad is a pretty lazy hunter: she sits and waits for her PREY to walk by her, and then catches it with her long tongue. 

Tralalala.  

Sigh. Maybe someday an ice cream cone will walk by ... "

Fans of the informative and eew-inspiring Disgusting Creatures series will have their hands out, waiting in high anticipation for the laughs and learning any addition brings. They will not be disappointed here.

With characteristic cartoon artwork and limited text, the author entertains, while also plying her readers with information about traits, food, talents, development and what causes some to squirm in their presence. There are more than 5,000 species of toads and frogs; some have very weird characteristics, and all are in constant need of having water within close range. The focus in this book is on the common toad.

Here's the moment that is likely to elicit the loudest and most animated EWWW!

"The toad sometimes sheds her skin to
keep it healthy, and that's kind of gross.
It means she gets rid of the old skin,
and then ... SHE EATS IT!"

That's right, she eats her own skin. BLECCH!

You know they are going to love it, don't you?

Fun, factual and a great addition to your collection of nonfiction for young readers.