FROGS: a collection of books increasing in text complexity

Youngest readers (PreK - 1st grade):

From Tadpole to Frog (Scholastic Reader Level 1) by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, photographs by Dwight R. Kuhn Scholastic, 2001 -- ISBN: 978-0545273374 This early reader takes children on the journey of the life cycle of the frog from eggs in the pond through the transformation into tadpoles and on to maturity. Key vocabulary words are highlighted in the text and also contained in a glossary at the end of the book. Rounds: Franklin Frog: A book app by Barry and Emma Tranter developed by Nosy Crow, 2012 Readers meet Franklin the Frog, his mate and eventually their offspring, in this engaging book app about life cycles. The app provides readers with enough prompts to keep the story moving, but also allows children to explore, making Franklin jump and swim. The balance between the text and interaction with the book was well thought through.

99 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura, illustrated by Yasunari Murakami North South Books, 2013 -- ISBN: 978-0735841086 Its spring and Mother Frog pops out of the mud. Time to awaken her brood. But when you have 999 kids, the accounting can be difficult. The mystery is solved when sleepyheaded big brother finally emerges. This picture book would well for creating interest in nonfiction concepts such as hibernation, habitats, and life cycles.

Transitioning readers (grades 1-3)

Frogs! (National Geographic Kids Readers Level 1) by Elizabeth Carney National Geographic, 2009 -- ISBN: 978-1426303920 Featuring informative and engaging text written for younger students, this book also has a mix of vocabulary text boxes, fun facts, and even a touch of humor. Different sections focus on their habitat, sounds, diet and more, creating high interest through layout, design, photographs and text.
The Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries has been developed by: Mary Ann Scheuer (Great Kid Books), Travis Jonker (100 Scope Notes), Alyson Beecher (Kid Lit Frenzy), and Cathy Potter & Louise Capizzo (The Nonfiction Detectives) -- May 2013

Read alouds (grades 1-4):

Frog Song by Brenda Guiberson, illustrated by Gennady Spirin Henry Holt / Macmillan, 2013 -- ISBN: 978-0805092547 This gorgeous picture book explores eleven different frog species from around the world. Each spread focuses on a different species, with a wonderful illustration and an engaging description. Guiberson uses descriptive text to hook readers, making this work well as a read aloud. Hip-Pocket Papa by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Alan Marks Charlesbridge, 2010 -- ISBN: 978-1570917080 Set in an Australian rain forest, readers follow this tiny frog as it watches over and protects its eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the male scoops the tadpoles up and keeps them safe in hip pockets until they have turned into froglets. The text is both poetic and fascinating. Markle uses long sentences with complex vocabulary to paint a picture with her words.

Middle grade readers (grades 3-4):

Frogs by Gail Gibbons Holiday House, 1993 -- ISBN: 978-0823411344 Gail Gibbons clearly explains how frog spawn changes to embryos, then to tadpoles, young frogs, and finally, mature amphibians. Short sentences are easy to read, and yet the text provides plenty of details to fascinate young readers. The illustrations are closely connected with the text, providing clear explanations for the main ideas. Tell Me the Difference Between a Frog and a Toad by Leigh Rockwood PowerKids Press, 2013 -- ISBN: 978-1448897308 Rockwood addresses a slightly older audience, beginning right away with an explanation of the scientific classification of frogs and toads. You'll notice that the sentences are longer and the vocabulary is more complex. Kids will be drawn in by the colorful, sharply focused photographs of many frogs and toads.

Upper elementary grade readers (grades 4-7)

The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner, photographs by Andy Comins Houghton Mifin, 2009 -- ISBN: 978-0547576985 Readers are introduced to Dr. Tyrone Hayes, a charismatic biology professor, as he and his students catch leopard frogs. Tyrone is an amphibian expert testing his theory about how atrazine (a pesticide) affects the development of frogs. Throughout the book, readers are asked to think like scientists as Tyrone searches for answers to how pesticides affect frogs and toads. The Mystery of Darwins Frog by Marty Crump, illustrations by Steve Jenkins and Edel Rodriguez Boyds Mill Press, 2013 -- ISBN: 978-1590788646 Did you know there is one frog where the male swallows the tadpoles and keeps them inside his vocal sac until they come crawling out, fully developed? Crump describes in straightforward language the scientists journey, starting with Charles Darwin aboard the Beagle, uncovering the mystery of the Rhinoderma darwinni.