Frog Heaven: Ecology of a Vernal Pool

by Doug Wechsler

Journey to frog heaven. If you're walking in the woods, you can tell that winter is changing into spring by the riot of sound that fills the air. The quacking, piping, and creaking that you hear are the sounds of frogs singing their love songs. Follow those sounds and they may lead you to a vernal pool. A vernal pool is a special pond that's just right for frogs, salamanders, and other animals. The ecology of the pool is special, too. That's what makes it frog heaven. With fascinating facts and stunning photographs, Doug Wechsler takes young readers to a vernal pool in a forest to show how wood frogs, tree frogs, salamanders, and other creatures survive and thrive in this Society of School Librarians International Honor Book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Science

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Abby Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was just delightful

[Mrs. Melaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildlife photographer and naturalist Doug Wechsler expertly presents a year in the life cycle of a vernal pool. A vernal pool is a body of water that dries up at least once in most years, with no permanent stream flowing through it, and no fish. Due to the absence of fish predators, it functions, as the title indicates, as frog heaven -- ideal habitat for frogs and other amphibians, such as salamanders. Wechsler’s enthusiasm shines through as he guides the reader through a year in the life of a vernal pool, showing the growth of the species who live there during each season, and how the rise and fall of the water during the course of the seasons causes the unique nature of vernal pools. Best of all, there are lots of photos of frogs and other creatures to indicate just how special this habitat is. A final chapter stresses the ecological importance of vernal pools. Losses to land development and ways to protect them are suggested. A glossary, further readings, and web sites (only two) are provided.

[Andrew Conboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It was very informative and helped me learn about vernal pools and the abundance of life around those pools.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally picked it up because of an assignment for class. Loved this book! The information is amazing and more so because there are so many species that can survive in tiny ponds like this one in Delaware, that are scattered all over the Northeast and California. I liked it when the author said you could chart the progression of spring by the songs of the frogs. I would love to hear that! I have always been fascinated by frogs since I was little and they have always been my symbol. The nature photography was lovely too, esp since there were so many up close shots.