Total Pageviews

Friday, February 14, 2020

Fanatical About Frogs, by Owen Davey. Flying Eye Books, Penguin Random House. 2019. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Some frogs hang out in logs or under rocks during winter, with little protection from the cold. When the temperature drops, the frogs begin to freeze: they stop breathing and their hearts stop beating. They appear dead, but amazingly, these frogs survive thanks to a natural antifreeze in their bodies. After temperature increases again, the frogs thaw out and get on with their lives as if nothing happened."

There are no frogs in Antartica; they do, however, live on every other continent. Did you know that? If not and you want to know more, this is the perfect book for you.

Owen Davey fills the pages of this remarkable addition to his bestselling series (Mad About Monkeys, Smart About Sharks, Crazy About Cats and Bonkers About Beetles) with captivating graphics and a whole lot of engaging facts. Each and every page is designed to capture attention and to inform.

"Many frogs are slippery. Their skin produces
mucus, similar to the stuff that comes out of our
noses, and this helps them keep their skin wet. This
mucus can sometimes contain chemicals too,
which protect frogs against bacteria, fungi, and,
in some cases, from being eaten by predators.

If you picked up a yellow dyer 
rainfrog, it would feel slimy and your
hands would be dyed yellow!"

It would be easy to continue regaling you with all that can be learned in this fine book, but then you would have no need to read it yourself. Mr, Davey writes in a conversational and easy manner, and shares the enormity of his research with confidence. He includes just enough infromation that his target audience can take it all in, and then share it with others.

He includes information on the body's construct, skin, eating habits, variety in colors and patterns, effects of temperature, sounds and calls, life cycle, lifestyle, size comparisons, perspective, award-winning qualities, conservation, and even a section on frog mythology. All compelling, and sure to amaze with the fact that there are already 4000 different species discovered.

"If you see a frog anywhere, feel free to look at it and
study what it does, but make sure you leave it where
it is. Please don't pick it up, especially if you have
sunscreen or insect repellent on your hands - those
will easily absorb through a frog's skin and make it sick."
                                                                                     

No comments:

Post a Comment