Only Tadpoles Have Tails. (Flying Foxes). Jane Clarke. Illustrated by Jane Gray. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2004. 48 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-1530-2 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-1484-5 (RLB). Subject Headings: Nature-Juvenile fiction. Friendship-Juvenile fiction. Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8. Review by Liz Greenaway. **1/2 /4

excerpt:

"Come on, everybody," said Croaker, who was the biggest. "Let's play leapfrog."

Kicky joined the line. Croaker leaped over Hoppy, Ribbit, and Chirrup, but when he tried to leap over Kicky, he landed flat on his face.

"Ow!" yelled Croaker. "I fell over your stupid tail!"

"Sorry, Croaker," Kicky said. He tried to be careful, but it was no good. His tail got in the way. When it was his turn to jump, his tail hit Croaker in the eye.

Thwack!

"Stupid tail!" said Kicky. "You can't play leapfrog," grumbled Croaker.

"You're not a frog. You're a tadpole. Only tadpoles have tails."

"It's not Kicky's fault that he still has a tail," Hoppy said. "Give him another chance."

Only Tadpoles Have Tails in one in Crabtree’s series of books called "Flying Foxes" that combine beginner chapter books/language arts with science. The books are, according to the back cover, "based on real information" tying them to the natural world. Each title includes an activity and facts, plus an interview with the author and the illustrator.

     The story is a likable but predictable story about a tadpole named Kicky who is frustrated that he still has a tail when all his friends are full grown frogs without one. His tail gets in the way when playing games. His friends try to think of ways to get rid of his tail, which end in predictable disaster, and they take turns pulling. Kicky’s tail comes in handy when a group of piranhas threaten to eat Kicky and his friends, and Kicky’s quick swimming saves them.

     The story seems a little simple for the intended audience. However, the real charm of the book comes from the bright and highly stylized illustrations by Jane Gray. Each character's personality comes out in her dynamic illustrations that seem part acrylic-based as well as collage. The bright and upbeat pictures depict the swamp homeland of frogs in vivid blues and pinks as well as the expected browns and greens.

     Suggested activities in the back of the book can be used to tie the story to further activities. One activity is to make a piranha from cardboard and fasteners.

     The life cycle of a frog is also included, as well as brief interviews with author and illustrator.

     This title would fit in nicely in a science unit in the classroom as well as in a home reading program. Its hardcover format, which will make it a hard sell in retail markets, will make it perfect for repeat readings in a school setting.

Recommended.

Liz Greenaway has worked in bookselling and publishing and resides in Edmonton, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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