Freddy the Frogcaster

by Janice Dean, Russ Cox (Illustrator)

Freddy the Frog loves learning about the weather, and he’s known for having the best predictions in town. But what happens when the town picnic is almost ruined by a storm that catches the local frogcaster by surprise? Freddie has to step in to save the day! Well-known Fox News broadcast meteorologist Janice Dean pens this exciting and hilarious tale about an aspiring weathercaster who can’t keep his eyes off the sky. Children and adults will love the charming frog world Freddy lives in, and the fun science lessons he shares, with an activities section in the back

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Science, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2013

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddy the Frogcaster is a really fun way to learn about weather and the science of predicting it. Freddy is a frog that loves the weather. With the help of his family he builds his own weather station where he spends hours recording weather information. He enjoys watching Sally Croaker, the local meteorologist, on TV to see if his predictions match up with hers. But when she goes on maternity leave and her substitute is more interested in publicity that accurately predicting the weather, can Freddy step in to save the day by predicting the weather for the upcoming Leapfrog Picnic?

The illustrations are bright and colorful and appealing. The story shows not only the importance of weather prediction but the challenges that go with it and how much people rely on it. The length of the text makes it more appropriate for slightly older readers but this would make a fun family read-aloud or a good introduction to weather in the classroom. The information at the end about weather prediction and the instruments used to do it is great for readers who are especially interested in weather (and if my experiences are anything to go by, many children are fascinated by weather).

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a first and third grader, who really enjoyed this story. The book cover said it is geared to K through 2nd grades, but the 8 year old also enjoyed the story. The beautifully, and brightly colored illustrations really drew them in. Also being boys, they love frogs, and here is one telling weather...to cute.
Besides drawing them in with the really cute story, they learned a lot about the weather. We learn lessons of doing hard work, and honesty. We do have a happy ending here, which the boys loved...Freddy saved the day
There are also some great weather facts in the back of the book, and found my 8 year old was very interested. He loved the information, with pictures on the different types of clouds. Very educational.

I received this book from Regnery Publishing, Inc., and was not required to give a positive review.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids have a way of becoming fascinated with certain careers. This story shows a little frog who wants to be a weatherman so much that he starts observing the weather in really intelligent ways. What this means is that Freddy is paying so much attention that he catches what other forecasters (frogcasters) are missing - and can save the town picnic. Be prepared!

What I love here are how supportive Freddy's parents are when it comes to his current special interest. They help him to have the tools he needs to be a real forecaster. Also love the way we learn about weather. This is a great series all the way around, especially for teaching the concept of weather. Absolutely loved this book!

[John]

Read with Dana Perino via you tube

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for weather...both for frogs and humans.

[Terri Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for your classroom weather unit. I loved it.

[Sheila Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story about a frog following his passion for meteorology and predicting the weather. So he was prepared for the town picnic.

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a joyfully illustrated, wonderfully written story of Freddy a frog whose hobby is meteorology. One day his class goes to the local television station and meet the weather-forecasters. Freddy is friends with Polly Woggins and Sally Croaker. He sees all of the weather screens and can tell something big is coming their way-BLIZZARD! Freddy knows that it is always a good idea to always "Be Prepared" He hustles up flash lights, a first-aid kit and a few other things that may come in handy after learning that Polly will working outside and has not gone out ready for the weather...Be Prepared
I hope that children show a positive hobby after reading the book. There is a short encyclopedia of weather and television terms in the back of the book AND a handy checklist if you do have that blizzard

[Emmaline MacBeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Freddy the frog who was born to be a weather forecaster. His dad even builds him his own mini weather station where Freddy can watch the weather to his heart's content. This story is wonderful for those interested in careers and the weather. There are a lot of new weather words to be learned from this book.

Unfortunately, the publisher has advertized this book for ages 4-8. I believe this book to be way too long for a four year old to sit through in one go. There are paragraphs on each page rather than sentences. The age range should be bumped up to late first grade through fourth or fifth grade. This would be a wonderful classroom tool for teaching weather and careers.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They are colorful, creative, and eye catching.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freddy the Frogcaster is a fun way to teach kids about the weather. My daughter enjoyed it and asked a lot of questions. There is a lot of text, but my 4 yr old was engaged and did fine. In the back of the book "Freddy" gives some simple definitions of weather terms such as atmosphere, meteorologist, thermometer, etc. There is a good explanation of clouds and the different kinds. I have been doing a pre-school for my daughter where we have a weather chart in which she determines what the weather is like currently. She made the connection and mentioned that chart as we read this book. Looking forward to reading more books about Freddy.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good info at the back of the book about predicting weather and the instruments used by meteorologists. I was not too keen on the art style and the story was just so-so. Rather disappointed as I was thinking I might use it for our science theme this summer, but I didn't care for the book too much.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freddy loves the weather and he wants to be a frogcaster when he is older. He uses his skills to help save the day.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for older kids about weather. There is a lot of nonfiction information in the back that explains more about forecasting and weather patterns.

[Monica Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been cute, but it is way too wordy for its young audience.

[Stacey Mulholland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book for early elementary school to teach basic weather information.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for kids young & old to learn about reading the weather in their area. I will admit to being biased because I know the author.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story is a bit "meh". It's about a little frog who loves weather and becomes really good at forecasting it.

Illustrations are also a bit "meh", nothing original. Just cartoony.

[Randye · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good we just read it

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Freddy the Frogcaster, by Janice Dean! A great tool for teaching weather to little ones!