Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and More

by Lisa J. Amstutz

Overview

Amazing Amphibians explores the major amphibian groups—frogs, salamanders, and caecilians—including their anatomy, behavior, and conservation needs. Young nature enthusiasts will learn about slime, venom, hibernation, and much more in this full-color overview of amphibian life history. Amazing Amphibians highlights a number of high-interest species through thirty fun, hands-on activities. Readers will learn about various characteristics of amphibians, like egg-laying, metamorphosis, and ectothermy, along with facts about their diet, habitat, behaviors, and more. This useful resource includes a glossary of scientific terms, a guide to understanding amphibian orders, and a teacher's guide to initiate classroom discussion.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781641600729
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/07/2020
Series:	Young Naturalists , #6
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	731,513
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	950L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Lisa J. Amstutz holds degrees in biology and ecology/environmental science, and, as a former outdoor educator, she is passionate about connecting kids with nature. Amstutz is the author of more than 100 children’s books and serves as assistant regional advisor for the Ohio: North chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Editorial Reviews

12/13/2019

Gr 6 Up—Amphibians are an important part of the ecological food chain. Medical benefits provided by amphibians are still being discovered. Currently, their population levels are quickly dwindling. These important messages are reinstated throughout the book. Starting with explaining what an amphibian is, their relatives, and body features, plus their natural habitats, Amstutz goes on to describe their life cycles and how dangerous the world is for these little creatures. Not only do they have natural predators, but man-made factors threaten their population levels. Each chapter has activities: searching out and identifying amphibians in one's area, playing games (LeapFrog, the Camouflage Game, and making Frog Slime), writing amphibian haikus, or crafting a letter to a scientist. All the activities are fairly simple; most can be accomplished without much adult supervision. The information is easily readable. Amphibian lovers will appreciate the clear, bold, bright illustrations. Pages are broken up into a variety of sections ("Fun Fact," "Look For") to support reader comprehension. Illustrations, photographs with additional information, and other shaded sections with questions and answers diversify the reading format. Back matter offers a glossary with simple, straightforward definitions, a list of amphibian orders, websites, a teacher's guide, a bibliography, and an index. VERDICT Students writing reports will like the book's interesting photography and appreciate the wealth of information. Amphibian lovers will dive in.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

School Library Journal