Slippery Babies: Young Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders

From School Library Journal Grade 4-6-- A book that is well written and well organized. The offspring of the three most common types of amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) are the clammy-skinned subjects of this clearly written, visually appealing introduction. The text outlines the general physical and behavorial characteristics of all the animals in this class and details, in separate chapters, the specific characteristics displayed by each. The primary focus, however, is on the young of the bullfrog, poison dart frog, southern toad, spotted salamander, and the red-spotted newt. Excellent, full-color photographs complement the text, appearing on about every other page. A number of books are available on frogs and toads; however, little information is available on salamanders, and this title will help fill a gap in this area. A fine companion volume to the authors' Scaly Babies: Reptiles Growing Up (Morrow, 1988). --Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Kirkus Reviews A visually appealing, informative companion to Scaly Babies: Reptiles Growing Up (1988) describes the life cycles of five amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and toads. Johnston stresses the environmental importance of the more than 4,000 amphibian species and their role in nature's balance. Known for their thin, moist skin, most live on land but return to the water to lay their jellylike eggs. Color photos of the vivid red poison dart frog and strands of toad eggs, like long stands of black pearls, are especially intriguing. Scientific names, size, and range not included. Glossary; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12) --