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Bait the Toad
Introducing Bait, the little toad with a big personality.
Bait the toad loves the camera, and the camera certainly loves him! From his river-bed roots to TikTok stardom, Bait has never found a pose he couldn’t slay, or a hat he couldn’t style.
In this side-splitting photo book, Bait is ready to prove that there’s more to amphibians than meets the eye. Whether it’s striking confident poses in the garden, sporting sassy homemade hats, or hanging out with his furry friends, this tiny toad has a lot to teach us all about being comfortable in our own skin.
Brighten up your day or make a loved one laugh with Bait and his pals, the perfect gift for any age.
Bait the toad loves the camera, and the camera certainly loves him! From his river-bed roots to TikTok stardom, Bait has never found a pose he couldn’t slay, or a hat he couldn’t style.
In this side-splitting photo book, Bait is ready to prove that there’s more to amphibians than meets the eye. Whether it’s striking confident poses in the garden, sporting sassy homemade hats, or hanging out with his furry friends, this tiny toad has a lot to teach us all about being comfortable in our own skin.
Brighten up your day or make a loved one laugh with Bait and his pals, the perfect gift for any age.
- GenresNonfictionScience
51 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
1725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 8, 2026
When a Toad Becomes an Icon: Pure Joy in Photo Form
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🐸💚 There's something absolutely magical about discovering a book that brings nothing but pure happiness to your day, and Bait the Toad accomplished exactly that from the first page.
This charming photo book introduces us to Bait, a real-life toad who became a TikTok sensation thanks to the creative vision of teenage photographer Kendra Powers. What began as a young girl photographing her pet toad evolved into a viral phenomenon, and now we have this beautiful hardcover collection showcasing Bait's most memorable moments.
The concept is delightfully simple yet brilliantly executed. Bait poses in various whimsical settings, often sporting tiny handmade polymer clay hats or accompanied by props like miniature skateboards. What could have been merely cute instead becomes genuinely artistic. Kendra's photography skills shine throughout, with excellent composition, lighting, and styling that elevate these images beyond typical pet photos. ✨
I was particularly impressed by how Kendra chose to present Bait's story. Rather than creating fictional narratives or assigning human thoughts to her amphibian subject, she lets the photographs speak for themselves. This approach feels respectful and authentic. Bait doesn't need a manufactured personality because his real presence is captivating enough. Each image captures something ineffable about this little creature's confidence and comfort in front of the camera.
The backstory adds emotional depth to the visual experience. Kendra found Bait as a small toad and raised him with obvious care and affection. She began sharing photos on TikTok where his "big personality" and her creative styling earned them a massive following. The fact that Kendra was approximately 14 years old when this project began makes her achievement even more remarkable. This book demonstrates that age is irrelevant when talent, creativity, and dedication come together.
Published by Catalyst Press in October 2023, the hardcover production quality is exceptional. The book spans approximately 46-50 pages, which feels like the perfect length for this type of project. The paper quality does justice to the vibrant colors and fine details in each photograph. This is clearly a book designed to be treasured and shared, not quickly flipped through and forgotten. 📸
The family collaboration aspect touched my heart deeply. While Kendra is the primary photographer, the book was compiled with assistance from her aunt, J.L. Powers (an established author and founder of Catalyst Press), and her father, Matthew Powers. You can sense the encouragement and support that went into bringing this teenage photographer's vision to fruition. Having family members believe in your creative work enough to help publish it speaks volumes about both Kendra's talent and the love surrounding her. It's a beautiful example of how families can nurture creativity and help young artists share their gifts with the world.
Beyond the entertainment value, this book carries a meaningful message about self-confidence and being comfortable in your own skin. Bait embodies this philosophy completely. He sits in his various outfits and settings with total ease, utterly unbothered and completely confident. There's something genuinely inspiring about that, even when the subject is a small amphibian. Sometimes the best lessons come from unexpected sources. 💪
I found myself returning to certain photographs multiple times, discovering new details with each viewing. The tiny hats are masterfully crafted, and seeing Bait wear them with such apparent nonchalance never stops being delightful. Whether he's positioned on a skateboard or simply sitting regally in one of his accessories, every image delivers a moment of joy.
This book works beautifully as a gift for almost anyone. Animal lovers will appreciate the obvious care given to Bait. Photography enthusiasts will recognize Kendra's technical skill and artistic eye. Anyone who enjoys quirky, creative projects will find much to love here. It would brighten any coffee table, bookshelf, or workspace, and it's the kind of book that guests will pick up and smile over. 🎁
My only complaint is that I wanted more! By the final page, I was already hoping for a sequel. Surely Bait has more adventures and outfits to share with the world. The upcoming ebook release in August 2025 will make this accessible to more readers, though I suspect many will still prefer the physical hardcover for its tactile appeal and display quality.
In a publishing landscape often dominated by heavy themes and complex narratives, Bait the Toad offers something wonderfully simple: genuine joy. This book doesn't try to be more than it is, and that's precisely why it succeeds so completely. It's whimsical without being frivolous, artistic without being pretentious, and heartwarming without being saccharine.
Kendra Powers has created something special here. Her brave and whimsical approach to photography, combined with her obvious love for her subject, results in a book that celebrates creativity, confidence, and the unexpected ways that animals enrich our lives. Bait may be small, but his impact is mighty. This little toad has definitely earned his place in the spotlight, and I'm here for every moment of it. 🌟
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways/Kendra Powers for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🐸💚 There's something absolutely magical about discovering a book that brings nothing but pure happiness to your day, and Bait the Toad accomplished exactly that from the first page.
This charming photo book introduces us to Bait, a real-life toad who became a TikTok sensation thanks to the creative vision of teenage photographer Kendra Powers. What began as a young girl photographing her pet toad evolved into a viral phenomenon, and now we have this beautiful hardcover collection showcasing Bait's most memorable moments.
The concept is delightfully simple yet brilliantly executed. Bait poses in various whimsical settings, often sporting tiny handmade polymer clay hats or accompanied by props like miniature skateboards. What could have been merely cute instead becomes genuinely artistic. Kendra's photography skills shine throughout, with excellent composition, lighting, and styling that elevate these images beyond typical pet photos. ✨
I was particularly impressed by how Kendra chose to present Bait's story. Rather than creating fictional narratives or assigning human thoughts to her amphibian subject, she lets the photographs speak for themselves. This approach feels respectful and authentic. Bait doesn't need a manufactured personality because his real presence is captivating enough. Each image captures something ineffable about this little creature's confidence and comfort in front of the camera.
The backstory adds emotional depth to the visual experience. Kendra found Bait as a small toad and raised him with obvious care and affection. She began sharing photos on TikTok where his "big personality" and her creative styling earned them a massive following. The fact that Kendra was approximately 14 years old when this project began makes her achievement even more remarkable. This book demonstrates that age is irrelevant when talent, creativity, and dedication come together.
Published by Catalyst Press in October 2023, the hardcover production quality is exceptional. The book spans approximately 46-50 pages, which feels like the perfect length for this type of project. The paper quality does justice to the vibrant colors and fine details in each photograph. This is clearly a book designed to be treasured and shared, not quickly flipped through and forgotten. 📸
The family collaboration aspect touched my heart deeply. While Kendra is the primary photographer, the book was compiled with assistance from her aunt, J.L. Powers (an established author and founder of Catalyst Press), and her father, Matthew Powers. You can sense the encouragement and support that went into bringing this teenage photographer's vision to fruition. Having family members believe in your creative work enough to help publish it speaks volumes about both Kendra's talent and the love surrounding her. It's a beautiful example of how families can nurture creativity and help young artists share their gifts with the world.
Beyond the entertainment value, this book carries a meaningful message about self-confidence and being comfortable in your own skin. Bait embodies this philosophy completely. He sits in his various outfits and settings with total ease, utterly unbothered and completely confident. There's something genuinely inspiring about that, even when the subject is a small amphibian. Sometimes the best lessons come from unexpected sources. 💪
I found myself returning to certain photographs multiple times, discovering new details with each viewing. The tiny hats are masterfully crafted, and seeing Bait wear them with such apparent nonchalance never stops being delightful. Whether he's positioned on a skateboard or simply sitting regally in one of his accessories, every image delivers a moment of joy.
This book works beautifully as a gift for almost anyone. Animal lovers will appreciate the obvious care given to Bait. Photography enthusiasts will recognize Kendra's technical skill and artistic eye. Anyone who enjoys quirky, creative projects will find much to love here. It would brighten any coffee table, bookshelf, or workspace, and it's the kind of book that guests will pick up and smile over. 🎁
My only complaint is that I wanted more! By the final page, I was already hoping for a sequel. Surely Bait has more adventures and outfits to share with the world. The upcoming ebook release in August 2025 will make this accessible to more readers, though I suspect many will still prefer the physical hardcover for its tactile appeal and display quality.
In a publishing landscape often dominated by heavy themes and complex narratives, Bait the Toad offers something wonderfully simple: genuine joy. This book doesn't try to be more than it is, and that's precisely why it succeeds so completely. It's whimsical without being frivolous, artistic without being pretentious, and heartwarming without being saccharine.
Kendra Powers has created something special here. Her brave and whimsical approach to photography, combined with her obvious love for her subject, results in a book that celebrates creativity, confidence, and the unexpected ways that animals enrich our lives. Bait may be small, but his impact is mighty. This little toad has definitely earned his place in the spotlight, and I'm here for every moment of it. 🌟
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways/Kendra Powers for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
September 8, 2025
This book was given to me for an honest review. I found the book adorable. Who knew a toad could be so cute? The author found baby toads and tried to raise them. Unfortunately, only one survived. She named him Bait. The book contains cute pictures of Bait in many scenarios, usually with a cute hat. The book also contains facts and notes about Bait and toads. Overall, the book was worth the read; however, the only flaw I saw was it was hard to know what the target audience was. The format was for children, but some of the notes seemed more for adult readers. Either way, it was a book that was meant to entertain, and it did.
September 28, 2023
By far the best book I’ve ever laid eyes on. There is not a thing in the world I wouldn’t do for Bait the road.
November 22, 2023
#BaitTheToad – Kendra Powers
#CatalystPress
Kendra Powers is fourteen years old. When she was twelve years old, she caught baby toads in a local river and built them an aquarium equipped with hiding places, shelter, light, and a wading pool and used marshmallows to attract ants as food. One of then grew exceptionally fond of her, so she started taking him out on walks, named him Bait, made him hats of colored polymer clay and took photographs of him that she shared on Tik Tok. His following rapidly increased and his photographs are now available in this little hard cover book that also includes information about toads. Bait is shown wearing various head gear in his natural environment as well as whilst out on a walk, exercising, playing with friends, riding a skateboard, and even behind the wheel of a car.
The book is the perfect stocking filler for those hard-to-buy-for people. The photographs are printed in full color on glossy pages and Bait’s little face often seems to be smiling.
Friendship indeed manifests in all shapes and sizes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
#CatalystPress
Kendra Powers is fourteen years old. When she was twelve years old, she caught baby toads in a local river and built them an aquarium equipped with hiding places, shelter, light, and a wading pool and used marshmallows to attract ants as food. One of then grew exceptionally fond of her, so she started taking him out on walks, named him Bait, made him hats of colored polymer clay and took photographs of him that she shared on Tik Tok. His following rapidly increased and his photographs are now available in this little hard cover book that also includes information about toads. Bait is shown wearing various head gear in his natural environment as well as whilst out on a walk, exercising, playing with friends, riding a skateboard, and even behind the wheel of a car.
The book is the perfect stocking filler for those hard-to-buy-for people. The photographs are printed in full color on glossy pages and Bait’s little face often seems to be smiling.
Friendship indeed manifests in all shapes and sizes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
November 27, 2023
What an absolutely delightful little photo book this is. Bait is the pet toad of fourteen year old, Kendra Powers. As a five year old, she was taught by her mother how to handle and take care of toads, a fondness that she lavished on Bait, when he outgrew the other toads that she gathered from a river when she was twelve years old.
Bait is an extremely willing photographic model. Kendra loves to make hats and other props, and his photo’s have become famous on Tik Tok. The “Top style tips for toads” makes for humerous reading, as does the background of how Bait became her favourite pet. The emphasis remain the gorgeous colour photo’s of unusual model, which is likely to be enjoyed by young and old.
A truly great stocking filler with Christmas just around the corner.
Bait is an extremely willing photographic model. Kendra loves to make hats and other props, and his photo’s have become famous on Tik Tok. The “Top style tips for toads” makes for humerous reading, as does the background of how Bait became her favourite pet. The emphasis remain the gorgeous colour photo’s of unusual model, which is likely to be enjoyed by young and old.
A truly great stocking filler with Christmas just around the corner.
December 8, 2023
This is a book of toad pictures with a brief introduction of how the author came to have Bait as a pet. It seems to be a toad that has a social media following, so if you're familiar with him, you may be more interested. On a whole, the photos are of good quality, but unless you follow him or have a kid who is super into toads, I'm not really sure of the purpose of the book. Maybe with a kid you could make up a story about Bait and his costumes?
September 27, 2023
I won a copy of this book.
Kendra Powers has a toad and wants you to see how awesome he is! At 14, Powers has a pet toad that she makes hats for and then takes his picture. It's a super cute book and I look forward to sharing it with all the kids in my life.
Side note: We also have several toads in our yard. They're all called "Spooky" because our dogs are scared of them.
Kendra Powers has a toad and wants you to see how awesome he is! At 14, Powers has a pet toad that she makes hats for and then takes his picture. It's a super cute book and I look forward to sharing it with all the kids in my life.
Side note: We also have several toads in our yard. They're all called "Spooky" because our dogs are scared of them.
September 26, 2023
This cute, small book is filled with pictures of a toad named Bait. From being in nature, to on top of other animals, it seems like Bait has quite a fun life! This book is perfect for children or any toad lover.
October 6, 2023
What a cute book! I went through the pictures of Bait with my kids and they got such a kick out of all the places and tiny hats! We were all so impressed by how much has been accomplished by this young artist! Kudos and keep living your dreams! Thanks to goodreads for the giveaway.
November 15, 2023
This book is simply adorable! Bait is the cutest toad! My kids loved his costumes and the various settings he was hanging out in. My kids liked that it didnt have any words so they were free to interpret the photos however they wanted!
September 28, 2023
My daughter found this in the bookstore and being just photo book was a quick read.
October 5, 2023
Cute. I love that she’s doing her own unique thing & that she has family supporting her! My sister’s preschool class will love this book when they learn about toads every year 💚
October 6, 2023
A cute picture book of the adventures of a very photogenic toad. Great way to allow children to be creative and narrate their own stories.
I won this book on the Good read giveaway.
I won this book on the Good read giveaway.
November 2, 2023
Fun surprise in the mail. I would have loved to see and read more about Bait’s life and also about the arts and crafts side of the hats and accessories being made.
June 10, 2025
I love having books like this on my shelf to pick up when I just need a smile. Cute animals are always a win for me!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews