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Tadpole Summer
From the multi-award-winning author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria, comes a story of sibling love and loss, healing and hope.
"Catherine is a wonderful storyteller" – Phil Earle
Frog has always known her younger brother Tad is unwell. He has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (called SMA-PME for short) but that has never been an obstacle for their unbreakable bond. They share a room and do everything together, Frog happy to do whatever Tad needs.
But when Tad is taken into hospital, Frog finds it difficult to be in their bedroom alone and starts camping in the garden. She only plans to be there while Tad is away but she finds an unexpected calm amongst the sounds and smells of nature and a space of her own that she's never had before.
When Tad comes up, their bedroom has to change to accommodate all his hospital equipment and Frog isn't sure where she fits in their family anymore. She retreats back into the garden, using the excuse of a sponsored camp out for charity. But as Tad's condition worsens, Frog needs to face the truth that she may not have much longer with him.
Working to bring the small wonders of the natural world to Tad, can Frog find a way to make this last summer together unforgettable?
More beautiful stories by Catherine
No Ballet Shoes in Syria, Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020
Bird Boy, Nero Book Awards Shortlist for Children's Fiction 2024
Following Frankenstein
Another Twist in the Tale
"Catherine is a wonderful storyteller" – Phil Earle
Frog has always known her younger brother Tad is unwell. He has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (called SMA-PME for short) but that has never been an obstacle for their unbreakable bond. They share a room and do everything together, Frog happy to do whatever Tad needs.
But when Tad is taken into hospital, Frog finds it difficult to be in their bedroom alone and starts camping in the garden. She only plans to be there while Tad is away but she finds an unexpected calm amongst the sounds and smells of nature and a space of her own that she's never had before.
When Tad comes up, their bedroom has to change to accommodate all his hospital equipment and Frog isn't sure where she fits in their family anymore. She retreats back into the garden, using the excuse of a sponsored camp out for charity. But as Tad's condition worsens, Frog needs to face the truth that she may not have much longer with him.
Working to bring the small wonders of the natural world to Tad, can Frog find a way to make this last summer together unforgettable?
More beautiful stories by Catherine
No Ballet Shoes in Syria, Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020
Bird Boy, Nero Book Awards Shortlist for Children's Fiction 2024
Following Frankenstein
Another Twist in the Tale
- GenresMiddle GradeContemporary
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Catherine Bruton
21 books56 followersI live just outside Bath with my husband, Jonny, and my two children (plus two toy monkeys, six goldfish and we’re hoping to get some chickens!). I teach English two days a week at a local secondary school. I also write articles for newspapers and magazines. Oh, and I write novels too!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 13, 2026
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Bittersweet!
Frog’s younger brother, Tad, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (called SMA-PME for short), and he has always been unwell, but that didn’t affect their bond. When Tad is taken to the hospital, their little room feels too big and alone for Frog. She starts to spend more time in the garden and finds peace in nature.
Upon Tad’s return, the bedroom is redesigned to fit the medical equipment for him, and suddenly, Frog worries that she doesn’t fit there anymore. Frog spends more and more time in the garden, but with Tad’s health worsening, she has to accept that her time with him is limited.
The story comes in Frog’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
The premise makes it clear that this is an intense and heavy book. However, we still have many glimpses of happy moments, even if they are fleeting.
The MC is an eleven-year-old girl with a nine-year-old brother, who has SMA-PME. I don’t think I’ve read a book where a character has this condition. This one was informative without being too complicated (since it was written for kids).
From the beginning, the kids had my love. Their bond is so evident! The adults get substantial roles too (and are realistic), especially Grandad. He was awesome, hands down my favorite adult in the book.
The focus, of course, is on the kids, mainly the girl, dealing with so much that her tummy is filled with worry pebbles with no space for anything else. Siblings of those with chronic health conditions and disabilities are called glass children. They grow up faster than they should, carry a ton of worry and responsibilities on their little shoulders, and do their best to be hyper-independent so as not to trouble others. Parents are struggling too, but these glass children need them too. We see all of this in our MC, and it just breaks your heart.
The story uses frogspawn breeding and the summer setting wonderfully. I love that the kids in the book barely even use a phone. The MC spends her time in the back garden with her brother and grandad. It is great to read the grandfather sharing his knowledge and kids learning enthusiastically about insects, birds, animals, flowers, etc.
The other kids at school are mischievous, quirky, blunt, but kind-hearted and adorable. It is a small town in England, and no one is financially rich, but they are all good people.
There’s another kid, too, and I like that he doesn’t get any labels. A whiz at math with a possible high IQ who dresses like he owns the most bizarre of costumes. This is a good way to teach kids to accept children who are perceived to be different.
You can also guess that the book cannot actually have a ‘happy’ ending, and loss of life is inevitable. However, it was sensitively handled, and the story ends on a bittersweet note. Despite everything, life goes on.
Do not miss the afterword. This made me cry as much as the book.
To summarize, Tadpole Summer is a touching, heartfelt, and beautifully sad but hopeful book about a young girl coming to terms with her brother’s fragility and trying to find her place in the world.
I wish it had a couple of illustrations to give kids another reason to smile.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TadpoleSummer
One Liner: Bittersweet!
Frog’s younger brother, Tad, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (called SMA-PME for short), and he has always been unwell, but that didn’t affect their bond. When Tad is taken to the hospital, their little room feels too big and alone for Frog. She starts to spend more time in the garden and finds peace in nature.
Upon Tad’s return, the bedroom is redesigned to fit the medical equipment for him, and suddenly, Frog worries that she doesn’t fit there anymore. Frog spends more and more time in the garden, but with Tad’s health worsening, she has to accept that her time with him is limited.
The story comes in Frog’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
The premise makes it clear that this is an intense and heavy book. However, we still have many glimpses of happy moments, even if they are fleeting.
The MC is an eleven-year-old girl with a nine-year-old brother, who has SMA-PME. I don’t think I’ve read a book where a character has this condition. This one was informative without being too complicated (since it was written for kids).
From the beginning, the kids had my love. Their bond is so evident! The adults get substantial roles too (and are realistic), especially Grandad. He was awesome, hands down my favorite adult in the book.
The focus, of course, is on the kids, mainly the girl, dealing with so much that her tummy is filled with worry pebbles with no space for anything else. Siblings of those with chronic health conditions and disabilities are called glass children. They grow up faster than they should, carry a ton of worry and responsibilities on their little shoulders, and do their best to be hyper-independent so as not to trouble others. Parents are struggling too, but these glass children need them too. We see all of this in our MC, and it just breaks your heart.
The story uses frogspawn breeding and the summer setting wonderfully. I love that the kids in the book barely even use a phone. The MC spends her time in the back garden with her brother and grandad. It is great to read the grandfather sharing his knowledge and kids learning enthusiastically about insects, birds, animals, flowers, etc.
The other kids at school are mischievous, quirky, blunt, but kind-hearted and adorable. It is a small town in England, and no one is financially rich, but they are all good people.
There’s another kid, too, and I like that he doesn’t get any labels. A whiz at math with a possible high IQ who dresses like he owns the most bizarre of costumes. This is a good way to teach kids to accept children who are perceived to be different.
You can also guess that the book cannot actually have a ‘happy’ ending, and loss of life is inevitable. However, it was sensitively handled, and the story ends on a bittersweet note. Despite everything, life goes on.
Do not miss the afterword. This made me cry as much as the book.
To summarize, Tadpole Summer is a touching, heartfelt, and beautifully sad but hopeful book about a young girl coming to terms with her brother’s fragility and trying to find her place in the world.
I wish it had a couple of illustrations to give kids another reason to smile.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TadpoleSummer
September 2, 2026
6 stars
Audiobook narrated by Genevieve Gaunt. 10/10
This is a beautiful novel for younger readers navigating some challenging themes. Bruton has done huge amounts of research and this has given her a good deal of informed freedom to explore grief, death and illness incredible sensitivity.
Frog is a big sister in the last year of primary school. Her brother has a degenerative condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The reader knows from the start that Tad will die, probably in the course of the novel. (Although interestingly one of my students aged 10 didn’t realise until I warned her when she was halfway through so I need to test this with other younger readers) and as such the novel is shadowed with this inevitability. But Bruton has a parallel story (in fact there are many other stories running through- the story of Ari and why he is home-schooled, the fact that this is Frog’s last year of primary school, the story of her grandfather, the story of Frog’s role in the family as the sister of a sibling who is seriously ill) and that is the story of the natural world. The children watch tadpoles, retrieved from a nearby pond, grow into frogs - some survive and some do not. These little creatures become part of an important extended metaphor in which Frog learns that nature has cycles, it can be cruel and it can be wonderful, but that nothing stays the same.
I was often in tears but often smiling too. The afterword is an incredible read and must absolutely not be missed.
Audiobook narrated by Genevieve Gaunt. 10/10
This is a beautiful novel for younger readers navigating some challenging themes. Bruton has done huge amounts of research and this has given her a good deal of informed freedom to explore grief, death and illness incredible sensitivity.
Frog is a big sister in the last year of primary school. Her brother has a degenerative condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The reader knows from the start that Tad will die, probably in the course of the novel. (Although interestingly one of my students aged 10 didn’t realise until I warned her when she was halfway through so I need to test this with other younger readers) and as such the novel is shadowed with this inevitability. But Bruton has a parallel story (in fact there are many other stories running through- the story of Ari and why he is home-schooled, the fact that this is Frog’s last year of primary school, the story of her grandfather, the story of Frog’s role in the family as the sister of a sibling who is seriously ill) and that is the story of the natural world. The children watch tadpoles, retrieved from a nearby pond, grow into frogs - some survive and some do not. These little creatures become part of an important extended metaphor in which Frog learns that nature has cycles, it can be cruel and it can be wonderful, but that nothing stays the same.
I was often in tears but often smiling too. The afterword is an incredible read and must absolutely not be missed.
October 11, 2026
Oh, my heart! 💔
Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton was such a beautiful, tender and utterly heartbreaking read. I absolutely adored it, even though it tugged at my heartstrings in ways I wasn’t quite prepared for.
It’s one of those special stories that makes you feel all the emotions. There were moments that made my heart ache, moments that made my son and I snort aloud with hilarity, and moments that reminded me just how powerful a story can be.
I particularly loved the heartbreaking juxtaposition of the tadpoles and Tad himself. While the tadpoles grow, transform and eventually emerge as frogs, Tad is heartbreakingly denied that same chance to grow up and experience all that life has to offer. There’s something so achingly poignant about watching these tiny creatures complete their journey while Tad’s own is cut so tragically short. It’s a beautiful yet devastating contrast between life, loss and the promise of what might have been.
And I have to give a special mention to the wonderful character of Grandad, who completely stole a piece of my heart. His warmth, wisdom and unwavering love shone through, and he so often seemed to be there just when Tad or Frog needed rescuing. He was a comforting, reassuring presence amidst so much heartache.
Catherine Bruton has such a wonderful way of writing with warmth, sensitivity and heart. I found myself completely swept up in this story, and it left a lasting impression on me. It is certainly one I will add to the book corner, although it will have to come with a word of warning.
Beautiful, moving and full of heart: a book that broke my heart a little but made me love it all the more for doing so.
An absolutely gorgeous read that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. ❤️🐸
Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton was such a beautiful, tender and utterly heartbreaking read. I absolutely adored it, even though it tugged at my heartstrings in ways I wasn’t quite prepared for.
It’s one of those special stories that makes you feel all the emotions. There were moments that made my heart ache, moments that made my son and I snort aloud with hilarity, and moments that reminded me just how powerful a story can be.
I particularly loved the heartbreaking juxtaposition of the tadpoles and Tad himself. While the tadpoles grow, transform and eventually emerge as frogs, Tad is heartbreakingly denied that same chance to grow up and experience all that life has to offer. There’s something so achingly poignant about watching these tiny creatures complete their journey while Tad’s own is cut so tragically short. It’s a beautiful yet devastating contrast between life, loss and the promise of what might have been.
And I have to give a special mention to the wonderful character of Grandad, who completely stole a piece of my heart. His warmth, wisdom and unwavering love shone through, and he so often seemed to be there just when Tad or Frog needed rescuing. He was a comforting, reassuring presence amidst so much heartache.
Catherine Bruton has such a wonderful way of writing with warmth, sensitivity and heart. I found myself completely swept up in this story, and it left a lasting impression on me. It is certainly one I will add to the book corner, although it will have to come with a word of warning.
Beautiful, moving and full of heart: a book that broke my heart a little but made me love it all the more for doing so.
An absolutely gorgeous read that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. ❤️🐸
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2026
Impressive book that will be so good for children to read. To read and learn about grief and a sick sibling. But also, more importantly, a book children who go through this can recognize themselves in.
Is it the lightest book? No, but the story is handled with care and although I have cried multiple times it’s done in a good way.
This book will help many kids and adults in many many many ways. Please let children read this although it’s a book with a heavier subject and story, please.
Is it the lightest book? No, but the story is handled with care and although I have cried multiple times it’s done in a good way.
This book will help many kids and adults in many many many ways. Please let children read this although it’s a book with a heavier subject and story, please.
August 10, 2026
This made me cry. A beautiful but heartbreaking story.
May 12, 2026
I am very biased as I love Catherine's books. Please if you like this read Bird Boy! As a TA, I am astounded that a teacher can have time to write this calibre of book. This is beautiful and emotional. You may well need tissues.
Frog has been called Frog rather than Frances since she was a crawling baby. When Taddeus was born two years later he became Tad. Frog had loved her brother from day one. They share a room and are each others first and last person seen each day.
Tad has always been different though, his legs don't work as they should. Frog asked but Mum and Dad just always said 'that's how our Tad is'. Grandad had come to live with them after Grandma died, and he was the one who explained it when she asked. Tad has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-PME for short!). Grandad explained it affects the muscles in your body and over time they get weaker. Frog knew that muscles also meant the heart and lungs. She started spending less time with her friends and more with Tad than before. They love spending time with Grandad, and thinking of ways to help wildlife.
In Frog's last year at primary school Tad became ill. At first he was at home, with no school. But then he had to stay in hospital on a ventilator. Frog didn't want to be in their room so she started sleeping in Grandad's tent in the garden. Just till he came home. Tad has had time to think in hospital, he want them to be the Wildlife warriors, and he wants to see that badger that Grandad thinks is coming to the garden. But when Tad comes home his lungs are much worse, he needs a hospital bed and equipment. There is no room for the bunk beds, no room for her...
She continues to sleep in the tent, talking to Tad through some old walkie talkies of Grandad's. Grandad has the shed of dreams - full of everything. Together with new neighbour, Ari (a bit of a no-it-all who is home-schooled because of his anxiety, and wears very interesting clothes) they hatch tadpoles as always, and make their way down Tad's list. . Frog is even using her camping to get sponsors to help other families whose children have SMA-PME. This extends to getting the children at their school involved in a camp in a big marquee at the end of the year, which with the help of the hospital, Tad is going to attend.
The big camp out starts Frog is mostly fine until bedtime when she becomes anxious because she isn't with Tad - they didn't pack the walkie-talkies - and then .....
Thanks to Hannah at Nosy Crow for the copy. I did beg!
Frog has been called Frog rather than Frances since she was a crawling baby. When Taddeus was born two years later he became Tad. Frog had loved her brother from day one. They share a room and are each others first and last person seen each day.
Tad has always been different though, his legs don't work as they should. Frog asked but Mum and Dad just always said 'that's how our Tad is'. Grandad had come to live with them after Grandma died, and he was the one who explained it when she asked. Tad has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA-PME for short!). Grandad explained it affects the muscles in your body and over time they get weaker. Frog knew that muscles also meant the heart and lungs. She started spending less time with her friends and more with Tad than before. They love spending time with Grandad, and thinking of ways to help wildlife.
In Frog's last year at primary school Tad became ill. At first he was at home, with no school. But then he had to stay in hospital on a ventilator. Frog didn't want to be in their room so she started sleeping in Grandad's tent in the garden. Just till he came home. Tad has had time to think in hospital, he want them to be the Wildlife warriors, and he wants to see that badger that Grandad thinks is coming to the garden. But when Tad comes home his lungs are much worse, he needs a hospital bed and equipment. There is no room for the bunk beds, no room for her...
She continues to sleep in the tent, talking to Tad through some old walkie talkies of Grandad's. Grandad has the shed of dreams - full of everything. Together with new neighbour, Ari (a bit of a no-it-all who is home-schooled because of his anxiety, and wears very interesting clothes) they hatch tadpoles as always, and make their way down Tad's list. . Frog is even using her camping to get sponsors to help other families whose children have SMA-PME. This extends to getting the children at their school involved in a camp in a big marquee at the end of the year, which with the help of the hospital, Tad is going to attend.
The big camp out starts Frog is mostly fine until bedtime when she becomes anxious because she isn't with Tad - they didn't pack the walkie-talkies - and then .....
Thanks to Hannah at Nosy Crow for the copy. I did beg!
October 2, 2026
Thanks you to Noisy Crow Inc. for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. App opinions are my own.
I really have mixed emotions on this one. It was fine. I enjoyed reading it. I’ll list what I thought were the pros and cons:
Pros:
- The representation of someone with SMA-PME was unique. You can tell the author really did her research and wanted to show it as accurately as possible. The fact that she consulted with several families and built connects with them is really cool.
- The characterization of a sibling of someone with special needs felt pretty authentic. I think this would be a great read for a sibling of someone with special needs.
- The story moved along at a nice pace.
- The naturalist elements were interesting- to a point.
- Each of the characters was complex and interesting, and even seemed realistic for the situations they were in.
- I absolutely think this book is age appropriate for middle grades. Especially if read alongside a parent, the book could start some really good and healthy conversation.
Cons:
- Sometimes the story felt a bit like a means to an ends. Like the it was more about SMA-PME than the characters.
- The constant descriptions of clothing of the character Ari were distracting. He wore non-gender conforming clothes in every scene, which felt both unbelievable (he NEVER wore an outfit without a skirt/bow/heels?), as well as it was trying to say something without directly saying it. It is never directly stated that this ten year old character is queer, so the reader could assume that as a homeschooled kid he just wears whatever he wants and doesn’t care what boys are “supposed” to wear. But then if that’s the case, why go to all the trouble describing his (and only his) gender-abnormal outfits?
- Sometimes the lists of creatures and wildlife elements got a little technical and unnecessarily long.
Neutral:
- This book is very distinctly British/Irish. As an adult I have read more than my fair share of British novels, but in this one, there were many words that I did not know, and that is extremely rare. Most Gaelic words in the book are defined, but there were a LOT of British-leaning words that I had never come across, despite extensive reading/vocabulary. An American kid would struggle understanding some of the words in this book, which could be distracting. The school systems between the UK and USA are also very different, so an American kid would likely be confused why the main character keeps saying she’s about to enter high school at age 11.
I really have mixed emotions on this one. It was fine. I enjoyed reading it. I’ll list what I thought were the pros and cons:
Pros:
- The representation of someone with SMA-PME was unique. You can tell the author really did her research and wanted to show it as accurately as possible. The fact that she consulted with several families and built connects with them is really cool.
- The characterization of a sibling of someone with special needs felt pretty authentic. I think this would be a great read for a sibling of someone with special needs.
- The story moved along at a nice pace.
- The naturalist elements were interesting- to a point.
- Each of the characters was complex and interesting, and even seemed realistic for the situations they were in.
- I absolutely think this book is age appropriate for middle grades. Especially if read alongside a parent, the book could start some really good and healthy conversation.
Cons:
- Sometimes the story felt a bit like a means to an ends. Like the it was more about SMA-PME than the characters.
- The constant descriptions of clothing of the character Ari were distracting. He wore non-gender conforming clothes in every scene, which felt both unbelievable (he NEVER wore an outfit without a skirt/bow/heels?), as well as it was trying to say something without directly saying it. It is never directly stated that this ten year old character is queer, so the reader could assume that as a homeschooled kid he just wears whatever he wants and doesn’t care what boys are “supposed” to wear. But then if that’s the case, why go to all the trouble describing his (and only his) gender-abnormal outfits?
- Sometimes the lists of creatures and wildlife elements got a little technical and unnecessarily long.
Neutral:
- This book is very distinctly British/Irish. As an adult I have read more than my fair share of British novels, but in this one, there were many words that I did not know, and that is extremely rare. Most Gaelic words in the book are defined, but there were a LOT of British-leaning words that I had never come across, despite extensive reading/vocabulary. An American kid would struggle understanding some of the words in this book, which could be distracting. The school systems between the UK and USA are also very different, so an American kid would likely be confused why the main character keeps saying she’s about to enter high school at age 11.
June 22, 2026
🐸 🐸 Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton
Cover and chapter illustrations by Oriol Vidal and published by Nosy Crow 🐸🐸
📚 I’ve read a few of Catherine Bruton’s books now and this one was equally as compelling.
🐸 Frog and Tad’s journey is one of love, joy, mischief, adventure and loss. I really loved how Catherine wove the fate of Tad through the lifecycle of the tadpoles. It was such a clever and accessible way to describe living loss and its impact. As a teacher, I have worked with many “glass children” who strive to be perfect and shrink as to not cause further upset. Catherine really captured this so well with Frog’s character.
🏕️ Chapter 45 ‘Fairy Lights’ moved me to tears, imagining Tad’s joy as he was placed in the tent with his sister. He was such a joyful, strong and inspiring character. Children who are terminally ill are so resilient and brave. I loved the bond between brother and sister and that the negative emotions and feelings of different characters were considered too. Grandad was also such a brilliant character, who never watered down what was happening with Tad.
💞 The Afterword was a beautiful tribute to the many families who have been affected by SMA-PME and I think this book will really help many young people explore living with a sibling who will inevitably die and the impact on those around us. Such a sensitivity written and important book.
🥹 A shoutout to Ari too, who like so many are trying to find their place in the world, but also had the courage to be true to themself and embrace their uniqueness.
Cover and chapter illustrations by Oriol Vidal and published by Nosy Crow 🐸🐸
📚 I’ve read a few of Catherine Bruton’s books now and this one was equally as compelling.
🐸 Frog and Tad’s journey is one of love, joy, mischief, adventure and loss. I really loved how Catherine wove the fate of Tad through the lifecycle of the tadpoles. It was such a clever and accessible way to describe living loss and its impact. As a teacher, I have worked with many “glass children” who strive to be perfect and shrink as to not cause further upset. Catherine really captured this so well with Frog’s character.
🏕️ Chapter 45 ‘Fairy Lights’ moved me to tears, imagining Tad’s joy as he was placed in the tent with his sister. He was such a joyful, strong and inspiring character. Children who are terminally ill are so resilient and brave. I loved the bond between brother and sister and that the negative emotions and feelings of different characters were considered too. Grandad was also such a brilliant character, who never watered down what was happening with Tad.
💞 The Afterword was a beautiful tribute to the many families who have been affected by SMA-PME and I think this book will really help many young people explore living with a sibling who will inevitably die and the impact on those around us. Such a sensitivity written and important book.
🥹 A shoutout to Ari too, who like so many are trying to find their place in the world, but also had the courage to be true to themself and embrace their uniqueness.
November 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Nosy Crow Inc., and Catherine Bruton for a copy of the ARC.
The moment I saw the cover and the description. I knew I had to pick up this book. From the description, I knew I was going to need a box of tissues ready. The story was very bittersweet. We have siblings who have grown up attached to each other. One is healthy and the other has a severe case of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. As an adult reading this book, it is quite obvious that Tad's health is not going to remain as is. I know a lot of people don't want to expose children way too early to things like illnesses and death. However, I think Burton does an amazing job in this book. Not only does she bring awareness to the illness, but her writing also makes it less scary.
I did read her author's note and I think it's lovely that she's trying to bring more awareness. She grew up not knowing what her classmate's condition was until much later. I also love the fact that the whole family goes through grief but pulls through together at the end. The transition from being angry and unaccepting to finally opening up and letting Tad have the best summer of his life was beautiful. I would totally recommend this as a read together with kids. It is quite an educational and mind opening adventure.
The moment I saw the cover and the description. I knew I had to pick up this book. From the description, I knew I was going to need a box of tissues ready. The story was very bittersweet. We have siblings who have grown up attached to each other. One is healthy and the other has a severe case of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. As an adult reading this book, it is quite obvious that Tad's health is not going to remain as is. I know a lot of people don't want to expose children way too early to things like illnesses and death. However, I think Burton does an amazing job in this book. Not only does she bring awareness to the illness, but her writing also makes it less scary.
I did read her author's note and I think it's lovely that she's trying to bring more awareness. She grew up not knowing what her classmate's condition was until much later. I also love the fact that the whole family goes through grief but pulls through together at the end. The transition from being angry and unaccepting to finally opening up and letting Tad have the best summer of his life was beautiful. I would totally recommend this as a read together with kids. It is quite an educational and mind opening adventure.
September 10, 2026
What a heartwarming book about sibling love and loss. Fran, (Frog) and Thaddeus (Tad) love going to the pond every spring to get frogspawn and fill pots at home to watch them grow into tadpoles..Tad has spinal muscular dystrophy and because he has to go to the hospital so this spring Frog has to go by herself. A new neighbor has moved in next door and Frog meets Ari. Because Frog is still in the hospital, Frog and Grandad decided to camp outside in a tent. They find out Tad’s illness is progressing faster than expected so Grandad makes a video for Tad to watch while he’s in the hospital. Because Frog wants to stay in the tent until Tad gets home she gets the idea to have a sponsored sleepover camp-out to raise money for children that have the same disease as Tad. When Tad finally comes home from the hospital, he wants to go to the sleepover camp-out, but he needs a special wheelchair. Will he be able to go?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2026
4.5⭐
The epilogue made me tear up - this is a middle grade, but it doesn't pull any punches emotionally.
Our main character is Frog, and her younger brother Tad has a rare muscle wasting disease. As the summer begins, Tad is hospitalised, and this marks the start of his health going downhill. Frog doesn't know how to cope with this, so focuses on completing Tad's summer Wildlife Warriors list.
This is an emotional book, and at its core is about children coping with terminal illness, particularly that of a loved one. It's not a depressing read, but neither is it a bundle of laughs - I think it's an excellent way for middle grade readers to be introduced to the topic in an age appropriate way.
Why is it a 4.5, rather than a 5 ⭐? I felt slightly disconnected from Frog, and felt that first person perspective would have been more effective. That's it, that's the only thing keeping this from being perfect.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
The epilogue made me tear up - this is a middle grade, but it doesn't pull any punches emotionally.
Our main character is Frog, and her younger brother Tad has a rare muscle wasting disease. As the summer begins, Tad is hospitalised, and this marks the start of his health going downhill. Frog doesn't know how to cope with this, so focuses on completing Tad's summer Wildlife Warriors list.
This is an emotional book, and at its core is about children coping with terminal illness, particularly that of a loved one. It's not a depressing read, but neither is it a bundle of laughs - I think it's an excellent way for middle grade readers to be introduced to the topic in an age appropriate way.
Why is it a 4.5, rather than a 5 ⭐? I felt slightly disconnected from Frog, and felt that first person perspective would have been more effective. That's it, that's the only thing keeping this from being perfect.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
November 1, 2026
A beautiful, heartfelt, bittersweet middle-grade novel about Frog (Frannie) and her younger brother Taddeus (Tadpole), who is living with SMA. Frog is definitely a glass child, unseen in many ways because of the terminal illness Tadpole is dealing with. The love Frog has for Tadpole (and vice-versa), the wonderful Grandpa, and the unforgettable summer they share offers a skillful look at SMA, and any childhood termail illness, and also of the severity of the situation for the other sibling(s). We lost a young cousin to SMA, and this captured a lot of the heartbreak, and also the ephemeral joys, of experiencing a brief life like this.
American middle grade readers are likely to find the extreme Britishness of this book confusing at times, especially the notion that a regular 11-year-old is starting high school. There are other terms that are unfamiliar as well. But otherwise, it's a gem of a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
American middle grade readers are likely to find the extreme Britishness of this book confusing at times, especially the notion that a regular 11-year-old is starting high school. There are other terms that are unfamiliar as well. But otherwise, it's a gem of a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
September 12, 2026
Frog has always been half of a pair. Her brother, Tad, goes with her on adventures every summer. But lately, his degenerative illness has landed him in the hospital, leaving her to spend the days at home alone, sleeping in a tent in the backyard until her brother can come back to their shared room. But what if life never goes back to normal?
this was SOOOOO good omg. definitely had the feeling of an older generation of children’s literature, all lush prose and hard conversations. it’s a book that can sit with you in your grief and make room for it. i loved the representation of kids whose siblings have a big illness, something that takes up a lot of their parents’ time and energy. i also really loved her hesitant new dynamic with ari, who reminded me of many kids i know and love.
just a gorgeous book written with so much love it spills off the pages.
this was SOOOOO good omg. definitely had the feeling of an older generation of children’s literature, all lush prose and hard conversations. it’s a book that can sit with you in your grief and make room for it. i loved the representation of kids whose siblings have a big illness, something that takes up a lot of their parents’ time and energy. i also really loved her hesitant new dynamic with ari, who reminded me of many kids i know and love.
just a gorgeous book written with so much love it spills off the pages.
September 25, 2026
(Note: ARC review)
A book with an exceptional ending that will pull a few heartstrings.
I will admit, the first 200 pages felt slow and almost seemed they were getting no where. I understand why those events were needed, I just feel as they were rather superficial.
The ending, however, locked in this book as a 5-star read. Frog’s true emotions shined through, and readers themselves will also go on a rollercoaster of feelings. Through those up and downs you experience Frog through her thick and thin.
The epilogue wonderfully wraps up the book as well.
I would read a sequel — or even a prequel — if one was written. It would provide another excellent arc to Frog and/or Tad’s life.
I would definitely recommend this book to teens or pre-teens who define themselves as glass children. This book is great for any young reader interested in family dynamics filled with a child with a disability.
A book with an exceptional ending that will pull a few heartstrings.
I will admit, the first 200 pages felt slow and almost seemed they were getting no where. I understand why those events were needed, I just feel as they were rather superficial.
The ending, however, locked in this book as a 5-star read. Frog’s true emotions shined through, and readers themselves will also go on a rollercoaster of feelings. Through those up and downs you experience Frog through her thick and thin.
The epilogue wonderfully wraps up the book as well.
I would read a sequel — or even a prequel — if one was written. It would provide another excellent arc to Frog and/or Tad’s life.
I would definitely recommend this book to teens or pre-teens who define themselves as glass children. This book is great for any young reader interested in family dynamics filled with a child with a disability.
September 25, 2026
Wow, what a lovely book! Even though I was crying by the end (and several times throughout), I couldn't put it down. This is a lovely, heartwarming story, while also being informational. The writing style felt very intentional, and (I felt) perfectly captured Frog's voice, thoughts, and emotions. Even though the ending was all but inevitable, the narrative was engaging and compelling the whole way through. The characters were all unique and interesting, and the author did a great job of capturing each one's individual voice, and portraying the intense nuance of the situation in ways that readers were able to pick up on, even though Frog (who was telling the story) could not. Highly recommend for readers of all ages.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I sobbed right from the first chapter. This book cements Catherine Bruton as one of my favourite middle-grade authors, alongside Katya Balen and Patrick Ness. The writing is skilful, flowing, and deeply emotive, with subtle metaphors weaving through. The beauty of nature sits alongside its harsh realities, paralleling the joy and sorrow of the protagonist and her family. Frog is an amazing character with so much depth and heart that I know children will connect to her story.
August 31, 2026
Excellent, and a good insight into SMA for children. And adults. This one made me cry 😭 . It didn't just focus on Tad's illness, but there was a lot of wildlife interest too, and the links between the names of the main characters - Frog and Tad, and frogs, tadpoles and other pond wildlife was great.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's not often that a book makes me cry but this one did.
June 23, 2026
Bought. Read in a day and cried through the last quarter. Have to look for more by her.
August 6, 2026
Heartbreaking but beautiful.
November 3, 2026
It was a very good book but extremely sad aswell. I have to warn you this book is about a kid with SME PMA which is a disease so it is very sad!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well that was devastating. Didn't really expect anything less. Catherine Burton is a brilliant writer
October 15, 2026
An utterly beautiful story that both broke me and heartened me. Frog knows that Tad is unwell, he always has been but he is spending a lot of time in hospital and Frog is facing some truths. Wildlife helps her to navigate her grief and appreciate every moment with Tad.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After the brilliant No Ballet Shoes For Syria and Bird Boy, Catherine Bruton returns with a truly powerful and moving story- Tadpole Summer.
This is the story of Frog ( Frances) and her brother Tad; Tad suffers from an illness- SMA Spinal Muscular Atrophy - slowly his muscles are wasting away and the body cannot function.
Set against the backdrop of a spring into summer, this is the tale as to how nature provided a point of focus during a challenging and heartbreaking summer for Frog and her family. Each Spring, Frog has gone tad poling with her brother but this year he is bed ridden- so she embarks on building a small osiers of calm with a wildlife garden and along with the help of her grandad she is able to create her own refuge when at times she feels isolated form the events around her.
She befriends her neighbour Ari who is homeschooled and views life in his own unique way bringing along an extra magic to the story.. The journey /life of the tadpoles plays against the ensuing events and makes a beautiful analogy about change and life cycles.
With grandad's support she starts to camp out in the garden and in a short time this simple action becomes something that involves a community and school whilst all the time ensuring that Tad has a magical time.
This is a book about grief- preparing for death - but it is incredibly sensitive and moving. As Catherine Bruton explains , one in 20 children deal with the bereavement of a close relative so it is not alien to children.
This is a book that I will recommend to colleagues in upper key stage 2 and family and friends- this could also be read by adults. I did not know about SMA and this book has educated me as well as deeply moving me. A difficult theme is so sensitively explored that to by pass this story because of its content would be very sad.
I doubt I will read a primary school read as powerful as this in the foreseeable future. Yes, it truly moved me to tears. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you Catherine Bruton for a masterclass in storytelling but a book that has an enduring power in educating and supporting children and adults during a life changing period. A top highlight children's book for 2026 - no doubt
Thank you to Nosy Crow books and Netgalley for the advance copy
This is the story of Frog ( Frances) and her brother Tad; Tad suffers from an illness- SMA Spinal Muscular Atrophy - slowly his muscles are wasting away and the body cannot function.
Set against the backdrop of a spring into summer, this is the tale as to how nature provided a point of focus during a challenging and heartbreaking summer for Frog and her family. Each Spring, Frog has gone tad poling with her brother but this year he is bed ridden- so she embarks on building a small osiers of calm with a wildlife garden and along with the help of her grandad she is able to create her own refuge when at times she feels isolated form the events around her.
She befriends her neighbour Ari who is homeschooled and views life in his own unique way bringing along an extra magic to the story.. The journey /life of the tadpoles plays against the ensuing events and makes a beautiful analogy about change and life cycles.
With grandad's support she starts to camp out in the garden and in a short time this simple action becomes something that involves a community and school whilst all the time ensuring that Tad has a magical time.
This is a book about grief- preparing for death - but it is incredibly sensitive and moving. As Catherine Bruton explains , one in 20 children deal with the bereavement of a close relative so it is not alien to children.
This is a book that I will recommend to colleagues in upper key stage 2 and family and friends- this could also be read by adults. I did not know about SMA and this book has educated me as well as deeply moving me. A difficult theme is so sensitively explored that to by pass this story because of its content would be very sad.
I doubt I will read a primary school read as powerful as this in the foreseeable future. Yes, it truly moved me to tears. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you Catherine Bruton for a masterclass in storytelling but a book that has an enduring power in educating and supporting children and adults during a life changing period. A top highlight children's book for 2026 - no doubt
Thank you to Nosy Crow books and Netgalley for the advance copy
August 7, 2026
I picked up Tadpole Summer using one of my end-of-year book vouchers and OH MY GOSH… I will remember this book forever.
This gorgeous story follows Frog (Fran) and her younger brother Tad as they come to terms with Tad’s illness and rapid deterioration. Tad lives with SMA-PME, a type of spinal muscular atrophy, and I learnt so much about the condition and the impact it has on both patients and their families. I finished this book absolutely bawling my eyes out!
I adored the relationship between Frog, Tad and their grandpa, but I also loved how heavily nature and animals feature throughout the story. As someone who grew up being taught the value of nature, I felt such a strong connection to this book, and it will definitely hold a special place in my heart.
🌟I think this would make a fantastic UKS2 class read, opening up discussions around life cycles, genetics, terminal illness, living loss, bereavement and grief. If you haven’t read it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it - just get the tissues ready!🌟
This gorgeous story follows Frog (Fran) and her younger brother Tad as they come to terms with Tad’s illness and rapid deterioration. Tad lives with SMA-PME, a type of spinal muscular atrophy, and I learnt so much about the condition and the impact it has on both patients and their families. I finished this book absolutely bawling my eyes out!
I adored the relationship between Frog, Tad and their grandpa, but I also loved how heavily nature and animals feature throughout the story. As someone who grew up being taught the value of nature, I felt such a strong connection to this book, and it will definitely hold a special place in my heart.
🌟I think this would make a fantastic UKS2 class read, opening up discussions around life cycles, genetics, terminal illness, living loss, bereavement and grief. If you haven’t read it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it - just get the tissues ready!🌟
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