Frog Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Amphibian Lives

Herpetologist Crump (biology, Utah State Univ. and Northern Arizona Univ.; Women in Field Biology) and illustrator Angell (The House of Owls) provide a quick but informative tour of 24 species of frogs and toads (of which there are more than 7,600 known species total). This charming volume describes each amphibian’s habits and distinctive physical characteristics during the hour when that animal is most active. A great range of frogs and toads are showcased from around the globe—which may compel some readers to visit the featured locales—as they go about finding food, partners, water, and safety from the elements and predators. The range of behavioral and physical adaptations to increase their survival and reproductive chances is impressive. Each chapter opens with a black-and-white pen-and-ink drawing, which offers a surprisingly expressive depiction of each species. The book ends with reflections about human threats to the future of frogs. A bibliography of further reading gives more details on the topic as well as scientific papers on each species.