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Το Γυρινάκι
Sometimes the biggest stories come from the smallest beginnings.
Meet Tad. She's the smallest tadpole in a big pond, and lives there with all her tadbrothers and tadsisters. Although something else lives there too BIG BLUB! And when everyone else starts to disappear, Tad starts to wonder if Big Blub will get her too. Or is everyone else going somewhere else; somewhere better. And if so, will Tad ever get there too.
Meet Tad. She's the smallest tadpole in a big pond, and lives there with all her tadbrothers and tadsisters. Although something else lives there too BIG BLUB! And when everyone else starts to disappear, Tad starts to wonder if Big Blub will get her too. Or is everyone else going somewhere else; somewhere better. And if so, will Tad ever get there too.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Benji Davies
256 books265 followersBenji Davies is the illustrator of the Bizzy Bear books, Bizzy Bear: Let’s Go and Play and Bizzy Bear: Fun on the Farm. As a child, Benji knew that when he grew up he either wanted to make films or draw pictures in books. He is still working out which he likes best, and currently divides his time between illustrating children’s books and directing animation.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
He has worked on a huge range of subjects and platforms, with clients as diverse as such Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam, and in countries as different as India and Australia. He’s illustrated for several major publishers and is pleased to be working on Nosy Crow’s start-up list.
He lives in Hackney in London.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
April 11, 2019
This is yet another beautifully illustrated and irresistible picture book from the hugely talented Benji Davies, award-winning author of the Storm Whale and Grandad’s Island.
Tad is a tiny tadpole. She’s the smallest of her tadsisters and tadbrothers and has to work hard to try and keep up. Tales of a scary frog-eating fish called Big Blub terrify poor Tad and when everyone else starts to mysteriously disappear, she starts to wonder if Big Blub has got to them and, if soon, he will get to her too.
Aside from being a great little book for introducing the life cycle of frogs to young children, there’s also an important message behind the story about growing up, branching out and learning to do things in your own time. I really enjoyed this story - a new favourite for bedtime in our household for sure.
Tad is a tiny tadpole. She’s the smallest of her tadsisters and tadbrothers and has to work hard to try and keep up. Tales of a scary frog-eating fish called Big Blub terrify poor Tad and when everyone else starts to mysteriously disappear, she starts to wonder if Big Blub has got to them and, if soon, he will get to her too.
Aside from being a great little book for introducing the life cycle of frogs to young children, there’s also an important message behind the story about growing up, branching out and learning to do things in your own time. I really enjoyed this story - a new favourite for bedtime in our household for sure.
Read
August 12, 2019I think I loved this book the moment I picked it up from the library. They say don’t judge a book by its cover. But I judged.
And I was right.
Even the tagline "Sometimes the biggest stories have the smallest beginnings" is the best and really pulls you into the story. The colours are bright and wonderful and grab your attention straight away. Then you notice the little froggy sitting on a leaf, looking out into the distance, thinking about life. I was so in.
The story follows a little tadpole, who is a just a bit littler than all the other tadpoles. She isn’t as fast a swimmer and falls behind the rest of her tadbrothers and tadsisters.
It is a really sweet story that has a brilliant message that is actually super important and one that every child (and adult) needs to learn – you don’t have to be the biggest and the best at something.
The character of Tad is fantastic. She is resilient and brave and I really adored her. She never once felt sorry for herself for being small and is actually a great role model – for a tadpole… In a picture book with minimal words…
Benji Davies has outdone himself in his story telling. Bravo, Benji. Bravo.
Also the illustrations are just fantastic. The colours and so bright and vivid they will grab any child’s attention. The watery feel of the background is awesome and really gives the impression of being deep in a pond. The last page is my absolute favourite, but I couldn’t really take a picture without ruining the ending. So you will just have to get it for yourself!
A fantastic story with an important message and a wonderful protagonist. This is a book that will suit all children, particularly ones who are a little on the shorter side. It is also quite informative about growth and the wild and learning about tadpoles and how they grow and change. It has a higher word count so will suit slightly older readers, and is meant for children 4+.
Super impressive! Highly recommend.
And I was right.
Even the tagline "Sometimes the biggest stories have the smallest beginnings" is the best and really pulls you into the story. The colours are bright and wonderful and grab your attention straight away. Then you notice the little froggy sitting on a leaf, looking out into the distance, thinking about life. I was so in.
The story follows a little tadpole, who is a just a bit littler than all the other tadpoles. She isn’t as fast a swimmer and falls behind the rest of her tadbrothers and tadsisters.
It is a really sweet story that has a brilliant message that is actually super important and one that every child (and adult) needs to learn – you don’t have to be the biggest and the best at something.
The character of Tad is fantastic. She is resilient and brave and I really adored her. She never once felt sorry for herself for being small and is actually a great role model – for a tadpole… In a picture book with minimal words…
Benji Davies has outdone himself in his story telling. Bravo, Benji. Bravo.
Also the illustrations are just fantastic. The colours and so bright and vivid they will grab any child’s attention. The watery feel of the background is awesome and really gives the impression of being deep in a pond. The last page is my absolute favourite, but I couldn’t really take a picture without ruining the ending. So you will just have to get it for yourself!
A fantastic story with an important message and a wonderful protagonist. This is a book that will suit all children, particularly ones who are a little on the shorter side. It is also quite informative about growth and the wild and learning about tadpoles and how they grow and change. It has a higher word count so will suit slightly older readers, and is meant for children 4+.
Super impressive! Highly recommend.
October 5, 2020
A lovely tale about a life cycle of a frog - this would be excellent to use with children in the classroom!
December 3, 2024
Une mignonne petite histoire sur le passage de l'enfance à l'âge adulte et la confiance en soi. Mon fils de 4 ans adore et moi aussi !
April 4, 2019
I'm in love with all of Benji Davies' picture books, but Tad has immediately jumped to the top of my all time favourites!
An uplifting picture book about one tiny tadpole's biggest adventure. Beautifully and boldly illustrated throughout, Davies has mastered another tale about growing up, embracing change and taking chances!
An uplifting picture book about one tiny tadpole's biggest adventure. Beautifully and boldly illustrated throughout, Davies has mastered another tale about growing up, embracing change and taking chances!
October 11, 2023
This shows the life cycle of a frog...and the illustrations are GORGEOUS!!!
November 9, 2020
A creative way exploring the life cycle of a Frog. I loved the characterisation included in the story as this helps the reader sympathise and make connections to the main character Tad. A great text with bright colourful images that all ages will enjoy :)
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September 3, 2020Excellent. Sometimes you’ve got to take the leap.
Gorgeous, vivid illustrations.
Gorgeous, vivid illustrations.
December 9, 2020
Is this a ground-breaking picture book? No. Did I love the exuberant, nuanced colors of the illustrations and the reassuring text about how it's okay to be a late bloomer? Very much.
December 4, 2023
Rena es un libro álbum de Benji Davies, reconocido autor e ilustrador que alcanzó el éxito con La Ballena (2010).
Hay algo tan conmovedor en esta historia, pasan los años y no deja de asombrarme lo mucho que pueden transmitir los autores con un par de palabras y algunas ilustraciones. Los miedos de Rena no son los mismos que experimentamos como humanos, pero hay un punto en común que nos hace empatizar con ella, el miedo a no pertenecer, a no ser suficientes, a quedarnos atrás.
Todo eso y más, porque al igual que todos los grandes libros álbum tiene más de una lectura, así que sin duda un infaltable para leer en familia.
Hay algo tan conmovedor en esta historia, pasan los años y no deja de asombrarme lo mucho que pueden transmitir los autores con un par de palabras y algunas ilustraciones. Los miedos de Rena no son los mismos que experimentamos como humanos, pero hay un punto en común que nos hace empatizar con ella, el miedo a no pertenecer, a no ser suficientes, a quedarnos atrás.
Todo eso y más, porque al igual que todos los grandes libros álbum tiene más de una lectura, así que sin duda un infaltable para leer en familia.
April 20, 2025
Super cute, heartwarming story about growing up. But since the theme involves Big Fish in the pond, quite literally, eating the small fish ( or a tadpole in this story ), it comes under slightly mature content for my son. His twin would be quite okay though, so use your parental discretion! otherwise, a lovely tale that we give a thumbs-up to!
November 12, 2020
A lovely story about a tadpole becoming a frog, which would be great to use in the classroom! I loved the colourful illustrations and is great to see more of Benji’s work after reading ‘The Snowflake’.
September 9, 2021
A great book that's an entertaining story that also teaches about how tadpoles turn into frogs, with some vibrant, colorful illustrations at the end to close off on a cheerful note.
November 11, 2020
So sweet with a little bit of suspense. The art is gorgeous.
January 9, 2023
I said this for a hundred times before and will say it again, children's books teach you more about life than adult books, and that's a fact!
October 7, 2019
Ο πολυβραβευμένος Benji Davies στο νέο του παραμύθι μάς συστήνει "Το Γυρινάκι", δημιουργώντας έναν ατμοσφαιρικό κόσμο και απεικονίζοντας εξαιρετικά τα συναισθήματα και τις φοβίες ενός μικρού ήρωα που είναι σχεδόν βάτραχος και βιάζεται να μεγαλώσει.
Το Γυρινάκι είναι το πιο μικρό σε όλη τη λίμνη, αλλά δεν φοβάται καθόλου τον Μπούφλα, το μεγάλο, τεράστιο, κακό ψάρι που ζει στο βάθος της λίμνης. Όταν, όμως, όλα τα αδερφάκια του μεγαλώνουν, γίνονται βάτραχοι και βατραχίνες, και βγαίνουν από τη λίμνη, το Γυρινάκι ανησυχεί ότι θα μείνει μόνο. Μόνο, στα σκοτεινά, «παρέα» με τον Μπούφλα. Και πράγματι συναντά τον φόβο και τον τρόμο της λίμνης και αναγκάζεται να κάνει κάτι που δεν είχε ξανακάνει ποτέ ως τότε...
Ένα πανέμορφα εικονογραφημένο βιβλίο για όλα εκείνα τα μικρά και φαινομενικά ασήμαντα βήματα που μπορούν να μας οδηγήσουν, αν έχουμε υπομονή, σε μεγάλες και ουσιαστικές αλλαγές. Άλλωστε, ακόμα και οι πιο μεγάλες ιστορίες στην αρχή ήταν πολύ μικρές!
«Το γυρινάκι» κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Ίκαρος, σε μετάφραση του Αντώνη Παπαθεοδούλου.
Το Γυρινάκι είναι το πιο μικρό σε όλη τη λίμνη, αλλά δεν φοβάται καθόλου τον Μπούφλα, το μεγάλο, τεράστιο, κακό ψάρι που ζει στο βάθος της λίμνης. Όταν, όμως, όλα τα αδερφάκια του μεγαλώνουν, γίνονται βάτραχοι και βατραχίνες, και βγαίνουν από τη λίμνη, το Γυρινάκι ανησυχεί ότι θα μείνει μόνο. Μόνο, στα σκοτεινά, «παρέα» με τον Μπούφλα. Και πράγματι συναντά τον φόβο και τον τρόμο της λίμνης και αναγκάζεται να κάνει κάτι που δεν είχε ξανακάνει ποτέ ως τότε...
Ένα πανέμορφα εικονογραφημένο βιβλίο για όλα εκείνα τα μικρά και φαινομενικά ασήμαντα βήματα που μπορούν να μας οδηγήσουν, αν έχουμε υπομονή, σε μεγάλες και ουσιαστικές αλλαγές. Άλλωστε, ακόμα και οι πιο μεγάλες ιστορίες στην αρχή ήταν πολύ μικρές!
«Το γυρινάκι» κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Ίκαρος, σε μετάφραση του Αντώνη Παπαθεοδούλου.
May 22, 2020
Firstly, this story is adorable; secondly, I now understand why people love it so much. When you first read it, it seems like quite a simple story, but upon rereading it, you can unpick the layers and the messages they carry. It’s not just a book about a tadpole who grows a little bit slower than her tadbrothers and tadsisters. Instead it’s a book full of belonging, patience and acceptance with elements of childhood naivety and innocence that are incorporated subtly but are still noticeable. Tad being refusing to believe Big Blub exists but continuing to take precautions and hide from it is a perfect example of that and I smiled as I read it.
As always, Davies’ illustrations bring the book to life and the combinations of colours are amazing. From the dark depths of the pond, to the bright colours of the flowers above the surface, we get to see Tad’s whole world; as though we’re getting an insight into something we wouldn’t normally see.
A lovely read that I think younger readers would be able to get fully invested in as they root for Tad’s growth and survival.
As always, Davies’ illustrations bring the book to life and the combinations of colours are amazing. From the dark depths of the pond, to the bright colours of the flowers above the surface, we get to see Tad’s whole world; as though we’re getting an insight into something we wouldn’t normally see.
A lovely read that I think younger readers would be able to get fully invested in as they root for Tad’s growth and survival.
June 29, 2020
This was a really sweet story about a little frog growing up in a pond with her siblings AND with Big Blub, the terrible fish that eats little frogs. I can't wait to use this book in a preschool storytime about frogs and to talk about how to handle our fears. I also love the wonderful, vintage style illustrations!
October 1, 2021
2 years and 4 months - We thought this book was a little scary (I didn't like the big fish!) and, whilst it tries to teach little people that we all grow up at different speeds, the messaging wasn't the easiest to understand.
July 1, 2021
Fun, colorful, with retro-inspired illustrations, this is the story of a tadpole who slowly discovers she's becoming something new, all the while avoiding Big Blub, the pond's resident hungry fish.
July 11, 2022
Story about a tadpole who is behind the others. Grows up into a frog. A small part of the story could be scary for young children.
April 27, 2025
Apesar de ter sido uma leitora extremamente voraz enquanto criança e adolescente, coloquei muito poucos livros dessa época aqui na lista do Goodreads.
Não porque menorizo os livros infantis ou juvenis. Muito pelo contrário.
Mas essencialmente, porque muitos fazem parte de grandes colecções (Os Cinco, Os Sete, Colecção Mistério, As Gémeas, o Colégio das 4 Torres, Patrícia, Carlota, e similares) e no motor de pesquisa apenas constam alguns dos seus títulos isolados. Acresce que, apesar de ter uns quantos na memória, teria grande dificuldade em os relembrar todos, e muito menos avaliar.
Optei, assim, por não os incluir. Mais recentemente, tomei contacto com uma nova geração de livros infantis, através da minha sobrinha. E reconectei-me com o seu encanto.
Mia relembra que não temos que chegar aos mesmos lugares dos que nos rodeiam, ao mesmo tempo e nos mesmos termos. Todos temos um percurso pessoal, que pode ser diferente do habitual, e não há nada de errado nisso.
Apesar de ter sido uma leitora extremamente voraz enquanto criança e adolescente, coloquei muito poucos livros dessa época aqui na lista do Goodreads.
Não porque menorizo os livros infantis ou juvenis. Muito pelo contrário.
Mas essencialmente, porque muitos fazem parte de grandes colecções (Os Cinco, Os Sete, Colecção Mistério, As Gémeas, o Colégio das 4 Torres, Patrícia, Carlota, e similares) mas no motor de pesquisa apenas constam alguns dos seus títulos isolados. Mas também porque, apesar de ter uns quantos na memória, teria grande dificuldade em os relembrar todos, e muito menos avaliar.
Optei, assim, por não os incluir. Mais recentemente, tomei contacto com uma nova geração de livros infantis, através da minha sobrinha. E reconectei-me com o seu encanto.
Mia relembra que não temos que chegar aos mesmos lugares dos que nos rodeiam, ao mesmo tempo e nos mesmos termos. Todos temos um percurso pessoal, que pode ser diferente do habitual, e não há nada de errado nisso.
(li a versão Portuguesa)
Não porque menorizo os livros infantis ou juvenis. Muito pelo contrário.
Mas essencialmente, porque muitos fazem parte de grandes colecções (Os Cinco, Os Sete, Colecção Mistério, As Gémeas, o Colégio das 4 Torres, Patrícia, Carlota, e similares) e no motor de pesquisa apenas constam alguns dos seus títulos isolados. Acresce que, apesar de ter uns quantos na memória, teria grande dificuldade em os relembrar todos, e muito menos avaliar.
Optei, assim, por não os incluir. Mais recentemente, tomei contacto com uma nova geração de livros infantis, através da minha sobrinha. E reconectei-me com o seu encanto.
Mia relembra que não temos que chegar aos mesmos lugares dos que nos rodeiam, ao mesmo tempo e nos mesmos termos. Todos temos um percurso pessoal, que pode ser diferente do habitual, e não há nada de errado nisso.
Apesar de ter sido uma leitora extremamente voraz enquanto criança e adolescente, coloquei muito poucos livros dessa época aqui na lista do Goodreads.
Não porque menorizo os livros infantis ou juvenis. Muito pelo contrário.
Mas essencialmente, porque muitos fazem parte de grandes colecções (Os Cinco, Os Sete, Colecção Mistério, As Gémeas, o Colégio das 4 Torres, Patrícia, Carlota, e similares) mas no motor de pesquisa apenas constam alguns dos seus títulos isolados. Mas também porque, apesar de ter uns quantos na memória, teria grande dificuldade em os relembrar todos, e muito menos avaliar.
Optei, assim, por não os incluir. Mais recentemente, tomei contacto com uma nova geração de livros infantis, através da minha sobrinha. E reconectei-me com o seu encanto.
Mia relembra que não temos que chegar aos mesmos lugares dos que nos rodeiam, ao mesmo tempo e nos mesmos termos. Todos temos um percurso pessoal, que pode ser diferente do habitual, e não há nada de errado nisso.
(li a versão Portuguesa)
April 9, 2019
Tad is (almost) a frog. She is the smallest of her tadsisters and tadbrothers and has to work hard to try and keep up. Not least because the scary frog-eating fish Big Blub is never far away, lurking in the deep, dark murky water. But as Tad’s tadbrothers and tadsisters seem to be disappearing is Big Blub finally going to catch up with Tad and can Tad finally lose her tail?
Benji’s illustrations are simply wonderful, creating an atmospheric world and portraying Tad’s emotions brilliantly. I could look at them all day. Even after finishing the story the images lingered on in my mind. Right from the start you feel like you know Tad. Benji really has thought of everything, there is even a spread with numbers counting down from ten which children will love counting along with as the tension of the story rises.
The tagline in the blurb for this picture book is: “Sometimes the biggest stories come from the smallest beginnings…” and boy does this book live up to its tagline! Tad is small, the story begins small but it packs a punch with a beautifully illustrated, uplifting, warm ending that will leave a smile on your face long after you finish reading it. This story has a wonderful message about growing up and learning to do things in your own time. It would be a brilliant story to share with a child who feels left behind, left out or worried about keeping up with others.
For full review with pictures see here.
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Benji’s illustrations are simply wonderful, creating an atmospheric world and portraying Tad’s emotions brilliantly. I could look at them all day. Even after finishing the story the images lingered on in my mind. Right from the start you feel like you know Tad. Benji really has thought of everything, there is even a spread with numbers counting down from ten which children will love counting along with as the tension of the story rises.
The tagline in the blurb for this picture book is: “Sometimes the biggest stories come from the smallest beginnings…” and boy does this book live up to its tagline! Tad is small, the story begins small but it packs a punch with a beautifully illustrated, uplifting, warm ending that will leave a smile on your face long after you finish reading it. This story has a wonderful message about growing up and learning to do things in your own time. It would be a brilliant story to share with a child who feels left behind, left out or worried about keeping up with others.
For full review with pictures see here.
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
TAD is a colorful and engaging journey into the water, as we follow Tad, a tadpole. Tad lives with her brothers and sisters in the water, where they fear the big fish, Big Blub, who wants to eat them. As the tadbrothers and tadsisters change and begin to become frogs, Tad changes a little slower until the she is only one left. Just when it seems Big Blub will get her, Tad begins to change and loses her tail as she heads to the surface to be with her brothers and sisters as a frog.
What I loved: The illustrations here add a touch of whimsy and magic to the life of a tadpole. The book does a great job of discussing the lifecycle/transformation of tadpole to frog, although the main focus is on the story. This is an encouraging book for children who feel small or left behind and suggests that they too will come into their own with time. The writing flows smoothly, and the text is large enough that it is easy for caregivers to read aloud. This could also be a great book for classroom discussions about frogs/tadpoles and similar lifecycles with the added interest of a fictional story and compelling character in Tad.
As a small note, the book may be a little scary for sensitive/younger readers, but it would be great for the elementary school crowd.
Final verdict: This is an interesting story about a young tadpole and the desire for growing older. Tad is a sweet book with colorful and whimsical illustrations that will appeal to young children.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
TAD is a colorful and engaging journey into the water, as we follow Tad, a tadpole. Tad lives with her brothers and sisters in the water, where they fear the big fish, Big Blub, who wants to eat them. As the tadbrothers and tadsisters change and begin to become frogs, Tad changes a little slower until the she is only one left. Just when it seems Big Blub will get her, Tad begins to change and loses her tail as she heads to the surface to be with her brothers and sisters as a frog.
What I loved: The illustrations here add a touch of whimsy and magic to the life of a tadpole. The book does a great job of discussing the lifecycle/transformation of tadpole to frog, although the main focus is on the story. This is an encouraging book for children who feel small or left behind and suggests that they too will come into their own with time. The writing flows smoothly, and the text is large enough that it is easy for caregivers to read aloud. This could also be a great book for classroom discussions about frogs/tadpoles and similar lifecycles with the added interest of a fictional story and compelling character in Tad.
As a small note, the book may be a little scary for sensitive/younger readers, but it would be great for the elementary school crowd.
Final verdict: This is an interesting story about a young tadpole and the desire for growing older. Tad is a sweet book with colorful and whimsical illustrations that will appeal to young children.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2020
Tad was a very small tadpole, smaller that all of her tadsiblings. The others warned her that if she couldn’t keep up with them, she would be eaten by Big Blub, the huge nasty fish at the bottom of their pond. So Tad swam twice as hard to keep up with everyone and kept to the shallow parts of the pond. Gradually, the other tadpoles started to change, growing legs and losing their tales. But Tad still had her tail and steadily the other tadpoles disappeared. Eventually, she was the only one still left in the water, hiding from Big Blub. Then one day, Big Blub appeared. Now Tad had one choice, leap out of the water or be eaten!
Davies has written a deep and marvelous picture book about being a late bloomer and then having change thrust upon you. Tad faces her challenges with lots of grit and determination, but eventually that isn’t quite enough as she is left behind by the others. Still, it is her courage that saves her in the end, allowing her to figure out what happened to her siblings after all.
The art here is great, filled with murky pond greens, deep seaweed teals, the blackness around Big Blub, and the moonlit blue of water at night. Tad has a glowing yellow eye, different from her siblings that lets readers find her even in a school of tadpoles.
A grand story sure to make your heart leap. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Davies has written a deep and marvelous picture book about being a late bloomer and then having change thrust upon you. Tad faces her challenges with lots of grit and determination, but eventually that isn’t quite enough as she is left behind by the others. Still, it is her courage that saves her in the end, allowing her to figure out what happened to her siblings after all.
The art here is great, filled with murky pond greens, deep seaweed teals, the blackness around Big Blub, and the moonlit blue of water at night. Tad has a glowing yellow eye, different from her siblings that lets readers find her even in a school of tadpoles.
A grand story sure to make your heart leap. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
June 14, 2023
• Tad is the smallest tadpole in her group. While her siblings and friends develop into frogs and explore the world outside the pond, Tad is fearful of change and stays behind, clinging to her tadpole tail.
• As the pond gets more crowded, Tad's tail starts feeling cramped. But she feels scared to join her friends who urge her to come out of the pond. She worries that there might be dangers outside and prefers the safety of what she knows.
• Eventually, Tad's tail shrinks and falls off, leaving her with little choice but to emerge from the pond. She discovers that the world outside isn't as scary as she imagined. Her frog friends welcome her and show her all the wonders around the pond.
• As the pond gets more crowded, Tad's tail starts feeling cramped. But she feels scared to join her friends who urge her to come out of the pond. She worries that there might be dangers outside and prefers the safety of what she knows.
• Eventually, Tad's tail shrinks and falls off, leaving her with little choice but to emerge from the pond. She discovers that the world outside isn't as scary as she imagined. Her frog friends welcome her and show her all the wonders around the pond.
October 21, 2020
This book shows a frogs life cycle, from a tadpole to a frog, however it has been done in a creative way. There is a sense of mystery in this book, wondering whether the 'big blub' fish is real or a picture of Tad's imagination. Tad has to be courageous when he is left alone - could be used in discussion with children to talk about how they think Tad feels, how they would feel in Tad's shoes and talk about times in their lives where they have had to be courageous.
As all of the other tadpoles start to grow into frogs, i feel sad for Tad as he believes they are all gone and have all been caught by the 'big blub' fish. At the end of the book, when Tad is reunited with his friends as Frogs i felt happiness. Through my feelings throughout the book i was able to see that i had connected emotionally with Tad.
As always, Davies' illustrations throughout the book are amazing and help to tell the story alongside the text. The colours and tones used are bright which was what made the book stand out to me at first - think children will really enjoy the book due to this and be more likely to pick it up off a shelf.
As all of the other tadpoles start to grow into frogs, i feel sad for Tad as he believes they are all gone and have all been caught by the 'big blub' fish. At the end of the book, when Tad is reunited with his friends as Frogs i felt happiness. Through my feelings throughout the book i was able to see that i had connected emotionally with Tad.
As always, Davies' illustrations throughout the book are amazing and help to tell the story alongside the text. The colours and tones used are bright which was what made the book stand out to me at first - think children will really enjoy the book due to this and be more likely to pick it up off a shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
The meaning from the book shows that everything in the world takes time to grow. Nothing happens quickly it all takes steps and its own time.
Here young readers can see how tadpole become frogs and can see what features are developed and taken away.
There is humour within the book , it reminds me of hiccups or when overcoming your fear you become brave, as the little tadpole once coming face to face with the Big Bulb swam so fast which helped her develop her features and become a frog.
The book shows clear imagery of the sea , here young readers can describe the ocean , and lots of questioning can take place in what other creatures live in the sea .Readers can shar their experiences of the sea, what they have seen or read in the past .
I would recommend this book for reception children. This book would help children to meet the understanding the world development area , as the children will be able to understand and see what frogs look like as babies before developing into a frog.
Here young readers can see how tadpole become frogs and can see what features are developed and taken away.
There is humour within the book , it reminds me of hiccups or when overcoming your fear you become brave, as the little tadpole once coming face to face with the Big Bulb swam so fast which helped her develop her features and become a frog.
The book shows clear imagery of the sea , here young readers can describe the ocean , and lots of questioning can take place in what other creatures live in the sea .Readers can shar their experiences of the sea, what they have seen or read in the past .
I would recommend this book for reception children. This book would help children to meet the understanding the world development area , as the children will be able to understand and see what frogs look like as babies before developing into a frog.
November 23, 2019
Another one of Benji Davie's books I have really enjoyed reading. This story is about a little tadpole who is a lot smaller than the rest of her fellow tadpoles. They are all growing up faster than her. For example, they lose their tails before him. The other tadpoles warn the little tadpole about Big Blub; the big fish who will eat you up if you don't swim away from him fast enough! However, as the little tadpole was a slower swimmer than the rest of the tadpoles due to being smaller she finds hiding places for when Big Blub is around. Eventually the tadpoles get gobbled up except the little tadpole because of her brilliant hiding places. When she comes into contact with Big Blub she uses her strong growing legs to swim and eventually jump out of the water to escape! Once she has escaped and is safely sat on a rock she realises she has lost her tail, she was now a frog. Overall a lovely story about the transformation of a tadpole to a frog.
January 1, 2022
Here comes the gentle closure for the year 2021. I wanted to find a book that talks about courage, and Benji Davies comes into my mind again (Yep, I also used his book to close the year 2020). This book is about patience, courage, and dreams. As the smallest Tadpole in the pond, it takes Tad a bit longer to grow up than her brothers and sisters. However, Tad eventually makes big leaps and becomes a real frog after conquering the Big Blub, the big, nasty monster fish. This book tells us tiny hearts can have big dreams. With enough patience, small people can become big ones. (I am suddenly so proud of myself for picking this particular book so accurately…hahahaha, well done!)
2021 has been a fantastic year, even with these depressing and devastating days. 2021 leaves tons of lovable memories and gives a handful of new friends. May the year 2022 lead us to a new adventure and heartful offers. Go forward with faith, courage, and hope!
2021 has been a fantastic year, even with these depressing and devastating days. 2021 leaves tons of lovable memories and gives a handful of new friends. May the year 2022 lead us to a new adventure and heartful offers. Go forward with faith, courage, and hope!
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