About the Book:
Title: Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs
Author: Annette Whipple
Illustrator: Juanbjuan Oliver
Pub. Date: May 15, 2022
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Bella and I are thrilled to wish a very Happy Book Birthday to Ribbit, Whipple’s latest book in THE TRUTH ABOUT series! Ribbit teaches there is more to frogs than their leaping legs, bulging eyes and sticky tongue. Here are a few of the questions explored.
- What is the difference between frogs and toads?
- How do some frogs live underground?
- Why don’t frogs freeze to death?
- Are frogs important to people?
I love the format of this nonfiction picture book. for it is a great mentor text to teach children about text features. A question is posed in a large and appealing font. Each answer is written in kid friendly language so the facts are easy to understand. Clear, crisp photographs of the frog match the question; a sidebar also appears on every page spread and includes Oliver’s illustrations and the frog’s humorous point of view on the topic.
As an adult, I never knew that toads are frogs and blinking helping frogs swallow their food. Other cool facts is depending on the type, tadpoles can take from 2 weeks to 3 years to become a froglet. Couch’s spadefoot toads rest for 9 months underground in the summer. Because the sugar in their blood acts like anti-freeze, spring peepers can survive freezing in the winter and thaw out in the spring.
In my opinion, the most important question Whipple asks and answers is Are frogs important to people? They eat lots of insects, are prey for other animals, and support scientific initiatives in cancer research, pain treatment and chemical testing, The last question, How Can I See Frogs?, provides tips for how to find frogs in your area. I also appreciate Whipple’s advice on caring for a pet frog. Kids (and adults) need to know the facts before committing to owning one as a pet. Other helpful information are directions on how to build a toad house, a glossary, and a list of websites.
As an elementary reading specialist, I adore THE TRUTH ABOUT series because Whipple’s text is accessible to kids at all reading levels. After reading Ribbit, readers of all ages will be even more fascinated with frogs next time they see or hear one in their travels!
To view the Frog Educator Guide and other resources, click on the image below.
If you know a child who enjoy learning cool facts about animals,, check out Whipple’s other books in THE TRUTH ABOUT series.
- Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls
- Woof! The Truth About Dogs
- Scurry! The Truth About Spiders
- Meow! The Truth About Cats (Fall 2022)
Praise for RIBBIT!
Meet the Author!
Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of ten fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press) and The Truth About series (Reycraft Books) including Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls, Scurry! The Truth About Spiders and Woof! The Truth About Dogs
Beagles & Books 
This looks fantastic. I NEEEED this book. I started writing a Frog or Toad song during Storystorm but only had one book to use and needed others to grab more back matter or straight facts that were broken down sensibly. This will be a huge help. Congratulations Annette, and all involved in this amazing book and series. Also thanks for the great blog posts! Peace, Annie🎶
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