Book Review: Leap Back Home to Me

Over the past year, the Water Library has enjoyed presenting story times to children in Wisconsin on a variety of water-related topics. Our favorite theme, by far, has been our readings about one of our favorite critters - frogs. It was with great anticipation that we opened a lovely new book today and read what may become a delightful addition to our story times.

In LEAP BACK HOME TO ME, Lauren Thompson presents the joy that frogs (and maybe children, too) feel as they grow in size and confidence. As the frog in our story leaps over many wonders of the world - from ladybugs to owl's nests to even the sun - it is secure in the knowledge that it can return home again to mom. At first glance, the text may seem simple. But the story engages children so they will sit in anticipation, wondering where our frog will go next. Matthew Cordell has illustrated the book with a keen eye toward the message of the story. The illustrations show the joy of the frog's adventure and the deep love our frog feels when reuniting with its mom.

The library is looking forward to integrating LEAP BACK HOME TO ME into its frog story time - we hope our littlest readers love it as much as we do.

Happy reading!

Atrazine and the African clawed frog

Wisconsin's Water Library's AskWater email reference service often responds to questions about frogs. Cricket frogs, Spring Peeper frogs, Northern Leopard frogs, and, of course, Bullfrogs, there are many species found throughout Wisconsin. From flooded prairie to ephemeral pond, our state provides many habitats for a peaceful evening of frog song.

But frogs also play an important roll as indicator species. Their abundance and overall health often reflect the health of whole ecosystems. Frogs are being carefully watched by scientists.

A new study published by the National Academy of Science analyzes atrazine and it's affect on the African clawed frog. A popular corn herbicide, atrazine is one of the most commonly applied pesticides in the world. And, as a result, it's often found in ground and surface waters. In Wisconsin, for example, a 2005 DATCP survey of 16,000 private wells showed that almost 40% tested positive for it (FY 2009 Groundwater Coordinating Council Report to the Legislature, p. 74).

According to the new study, this is bad for frogs.

Atrazine-exposed males were both demasculinized (chemically castrated) and completely feminized as adults. Ten percent of the exposed genetic males developed into functional females that copulated with unexposed males and produced viable eggs. Atrazine-exposed males suffered from depressed testosterone, decreased breeding gland size, demasculinized/feminized laryngeal development, suppressed mating behavior, reduced spermatogenesis, and decreased fertility.

If you'd like to know more, read the study here.
Or, check out the Wisconsin's Water Library's recommended reading list on frogs.

The care and feeding of your frog

Wisconsin's Water Library receives many questions form children and adults alike on how to care for a frog. We love to help our patrons with those questions. On that note, library staff would also like to offer a few titles you might consider buying if you are thinking of getting a frog for a pet:

Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates : an identification and care guide Hauppauge, NY : Barron’s: 2001. Hobbyists will appreciate this pictorial identification guide and basic husbandry manual covering more than 250 species, subspecies, and color morphs of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. All animals shown in this volume can be purchased at pet stores and other outlets. The authors advise on the do s and don ts of purchasing, proper caging, and correct feeding.

Frogs, toads, and treefrogs : everything about selection, care, nutrition, breeding, and behavior Hauppauge, NY : Barron’s: 2007. Terrarium keepers will find advice from two of the country’s leading experts on amphibians, their housing, care, and breeding in this helpful title. This book is a title in Barron’s extensive line of Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals . Heavily illustrated with color photos and instructive line art, these books present information on housing, feeding, health care, the title animal’s traits—and where applicable, on grooming, training, and breeding.

Frogs and toads / By Steve Grenard. Hoboken, N.J. : Howell Book House: 2008. The authoritative information and advice you need to have frogs and toads as pets. Include easy-to-care for breeds and intriguing, exotic varieties. 2nd edition.

These books and more are all available for checkout from the library. Please send an email to askwater at aqua.wisc.edu

Book Review: The Frogs and Toads All Sang

The Frogs and Toads All Sang by Arnold Lobel

From the late Caldecott Medalist Arnold Lobel comes a brand new collection of rhyming stories about frogs and toads. Discovered by his daughter, Adrianne Lobel, these stories have all the same warmth, compassion, and humor that is found in his best-loved work. Brimming with sweet silliness, this new book reminds us why Arnold Lobel's characters continue to be so popular years after their debut.
Source: HarperCollins Publishers description

If you are a Wisconsin resident, you may check this book out from Wisconsin's Water Library by completing our book request form. If you are a UW-Madison faculty, student or staff member, please request through MadCat.

Frogs in Wisconsin

Here at Wisconsin's Water Library, we often receive questions about frogs. Many times patrons want to identify a frog, whether it is in their backyard or a new pet. Frogwatch USA is a great resource to identify frogs, not only because they have pictures, frog calls, and book suggestions to identify your frog, but you can search by state. To look at the frogs of Wisconsin, please visit Frogwatch USA.

If you get stumped, feel free to contact Wisconsin's Water Library with questions. We'd be happy to help!

Ribbit, ribbit.