Also known as the meadow frog and the grass frog, the leopard frog sports distinctive spots. Like the big cat, a leopard frog lurks in the tall grass, waiting for prey. But as Doug Wechsler says, "You would hardly think this is a dangerous creature, unles
Doug Wechsler takes his inspiration from the jungles, swamps and seashores of the world as well as from his own backyard. By showing the wonders of nature and its humorous side he hopes to motivate his readers to deepen their interest in their natural surroundings. His current projects take him to local parks and Ecuador.
A wildlife biologist and photographer, Doug Wechsler was Director of VIREO (Visual Resources for Ornithology a part of The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. As part of his job running the most comprehensive collection of bird photographs anywhere, he traveled the world to photograph birds. He has participated in expeditions to Borneo, Ecuador, Cuba, Panama, Cameroon, Alaska, and the Philippines.
His most recent books include: Blowholes, Book Gills and Butt-breathers, The Cicadas Are Coming!, The Hidden Life of a Toad, Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes and Frog Heaven.
Having read this book, it appears to me that Doug Wechsler has created a formula for writing and illustrating animal books. While the photographs are gorgeous, the book does not recreate any of the mystery and wonder associated with Leopard Frogs. He does not describe walking into a field where there are millions of Leopard Frogs feasting on bugs. He does not explain the excitement that dogs have hunting for Leopard Frogs despite their failure to catch any. Wechsler relies too much on his own photographs when illustrations and maps would better communicate his message. While he provides useful information, I wanted much more.