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Toad Weather
A young girl, her mother, and her grandmother embark on a rainy day adventure in this engrossing story of discovery and wonder, inspired by a true story.
There's nothing to do on a rainy day—or so Ally thinks. But Mama says she's seen something amazing, so despite Ally's misgivings, she sets out on an adventure with her mother and grandmother.
On their journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, wet cardboard, splashing cars...but also earthworms, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. And then they turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. What's happening?
Lyrical text from Sandra Markle and stunning paintings from New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez tell a captivating, multigenerational story of a toad migration, inspired by the real-life Toad Detour in Roxborough, Pennsylvania.
There's nothing to do on a rainy day—or so Ally thinks. But Mama says she's seen something amazing, so despite Ally's misgivings, she sets out on an adventure with her mother and grandmother.
On their journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, wet cardboard, splashing cars...but also earthworms, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. And then they turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. What's happening?
Lyrical text from Sandra Markle and stunning paintings from New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez tell a captivating, multigenerational story of a toad migration, inspired by the real-life Toad Detour in Roxborough, Pennsylvania.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Markle
277 books92 followersSandra Markle is the author of more than two hundred children's books, which have won numerous awards, including Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, IRA/CBC Children's Choice, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Books for Children, NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended, and ALA Notable Books for Children. She lives in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and frequently travels to schools sharing her program "Sandra Markle's Books Are REAL Adventures."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 26, 2015
'Read Now' on NetGalley here - https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley.)
This was a lovely children’s story about toad migration. Ally’s Mama comes home and then takes Grandma and Ally down the street to where toads are crossing to get to a pond to mate. Ally, Grandma and Mama then help the frogs across the road.
This story taught kids several different things about what happens during rainy weather, as well as a little bit about frogs, and helping animals to do what they need to do safely. I have to say that I’m pretty sure my mum and grandma would have run screaming before picking up a toad though! Ha ha!
8 out of 10
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley.)
This was a lovely children’s story about toad migration. Ally’s Mama comes home and then takes Grandma and Ally down the street to where toads are crossing to get to a pond to mate. Ally, Grandma and Mama then help the frogs across the road.
This story taught kids several different things about what happens during rainy weather, as well as a little bit about frogs, and helping animals to do what they need to do safely. I have to say that I’m pretty sure my mum and grandma would have run screaming before picking up a toad though! Ha ha!
8 out of 10
February 1, 2020
Marvelous illusrations and a stellar story make this a five star book. Parenting done right and the world through a child's eyes and ears. The bonus at the end of the book is an educational section with information about a real toad event in Philadelphia. I highly recommend this book. I was approved for this ebook on Netgalley in return for an honest review. This will definitely have a full review on my Children's Lit blog and I will add the link here when it is posted.
November 20, 2014
This book is toadally fantastic! Written in lovely, lyrical prose, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, this story tells the tale of all the adventures that Ally has when her mother coaxes her and her grandmother outside on a rainy, gloomy day. Together they appreciate the colorful umbrellas, the splashing rain and the earthworms on the sidewalk. But, the toads are the real treat. This book is a real treat also. It is toadally wonderful and I think it will make a welcome addition to children's libraries and bookshelves. The book will be released in March and would make a nice spring gift as well. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I highly recommend it!
August 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
my son and i really enjoyed this one, and he had lots of questions about the story, which is great!
I also really liked the illustrations in this one too. they are more realistic then most picture books, and reflected the dark rainy day in the story perfectly, which is a nice change from the typical bright coloured cartoons.
my son and i really enjoyed this one, and he had lots of questions about the story, which is great!
I also really liked the illustrations in this one too. they are more realistic then most picture books, and reflected the dark rainy day in the story perfectly, which is a nice change from the typical bright coloured cartoons.
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May 22, 2018This is my review on the non-fiction book “Toad Weather”.
This story is about a girl name Ally. Rain makes Ally feel sad and she thinks there is nothing to do and nothing to see outside until her mother takes Ally and her grandmother on a surprise adventure in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
Rainy days can be fun and interesting! This is the message Ally’s mother is trying to transmit to Ally through drizzling rain falling down to rescue toad and as they reach their surprise point; they begging to see people caring toad that had crowed out of the grass to the sidewalk hopping all over the street, to rescue them. Ally, her grandmother, and her grandmother also spend time in the rain to help the migrating toad get to a safe place.
This book encourage kids become scientist when listening to the sounds of rain and play in the mud, jump in puddles, make boats, and even catch raindrops.
This story is about a girl name Ally. Rain makes Ally feel sad and she thinks there is nothing to do and nothing to see outside until her mother takes Ally and her grandmother on a surprise adventure in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
Rainy days can be fun and interesting! This is the message Ally’s mother is trying to transmit to Ally through drizzling rain falling down to rescue toad and as they reach their surprise point; they begging to see people caring toad that had crowed out of the grass to the sidewalk hopping all over the street, to rescue them. Ally, her grandmother, and her grandmother also spend time in the rain to help the migrating toad get to a safe place.
This book encourage kids become scientist when listening to the sounds of rain and play in the mud, jump in puddles, make boats, and even catch raindrops.
May 2, 2015
According to the back matter, toads trek on the first rainy night when temperatures have reached at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Sandra Markle has written a wonderful fictional story of excitement using this event-toad migration! A mom arrives home, grabbing her young daughter and the reluctant grandmother to come see something exciting, even on the late afternoon dark rainy time when most people just want to be inside. They walk and walk, see other lovely sites, like colorful umbrellas, “cardboard boxes melting”, and “colors swirling in the water”. Thomas Gonzalez paints gorgeous illustrations to meet the poetic words. His paints seem to melt too! But the best is yet to come, a street blocked off for the ‘toad migration’. People are everywhere, carrying toads across a street to ponds. It’s exciting and delightful, and even the grandmother thinks it was worth going out into the rainy. Night. It’s a great story, with science wonder included.
December 12, 2014
Rain-blurred photo-realistic illustrations accompany a story about a young girl whose mother surprises her with a trip outside during a rainy evening. Along the way, the girl learns to appreciate her surroundings as a grouchy grandmother complains. Then she finds that the rain has led hordes of toads to trek across the road in an attempt to get back to the pond for breeding season. This is a great story for children to learn about conservation and respect for all life.
I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley.
I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley.
January 18, 2015
Several years ago, I was walking up some paths in Altadena and came across this one spot where there were a ton of tiny toads crossing the path. They seemed to know where they were going but they were so small that they could have been easily stepped on by runners, walkers, jogging strollers. This book made me remember that moment.
December 28, 2014
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
December 4, 2014
Review coming closer to release date.
April 18, 2015
this was a great book. it was fun and entertaining. it makes me want to take a trip to the east coast for toad weather.
November 20, 2015
Fictionalized account of an actual yearly event. Such an incredible book! Blends fiction and nonfiction. LOVED!
March 5, 2021
Created with pastels, colored pencil, and air brush, the illustrations in this picture book capture the excitement of this rainy night and the shared mission of one community's determination to help a species reach its destination. The engaging text has an immediacy that makes readers feel as though they have joined Ally and her mother and grandmother on their mission. The way Ally's mother coaxes her own mother to come out in the rain and doesn't reveal her purpose seems true to life, adding suspense and authenticity to their walk as does Grandma's grumpiness. Once the three reach their destination, they are quick to join in helping those toads cross the road to safety. The author describes how carefully Ally carries her toads and how she watches her feet to make sure she doesn't accidentally step on any of them. Interestingly, this story is based on an annual occurrence in Philadelphia as humans step up to assist the toads in their neighborhood. It's doubtful that most youngsters have ever heard of this event, but it's a surety that they will be charmed and surprised once they have read this book, completed a bit of research, and been reminded that humans and other animals can peacefully coexist with a little effort on humans' parts.
September 5, 2017
Markle, Sandra Toad Weather, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree Publishers, 2015. $16.95. Content: G.
Ally, her mother, and her grandmother trek through a rainy evening to perform a surprise task: helping toads cross the road to breed for the season. An afterword explains that this is a yearly event near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This story contains some great sensory imagery, and the enjoyment of a good rainstorm is appealing -- as is the fun fact about the toad migration. Still, I don't know that it would have a wide-enough appeal to bump it up from OPTIONAL to ADVISABLE.
EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Ally, her mother, and her grandmother trek through a rainy evening to perform a surprise task: helping toads cross the road to breed for the season. An afterword explains that this is a yearly event near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This story contains some great sensory imagery, and the enjoyment of a good rainstorm is appealing -- as is the fun fact about the toad migration. Still, I don't know that it would have a wide-enough appeal to bump it up from OPTIONAL to ADVISABLE.
EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
July 20, 2020
On a rain soaked day, a young girl is saddened as she cannot go outdoors to play. But when the mother arrives home, she urges the child to come for a journey outdoors. The mother encountered something intriguing that she would like to share with her family. Mother, child, and even Grandma head out in the "nearly nighttime" rainstorm complete with slickers and boots. They are rewarded by finding the area in the city where toads are migrating to the pond to lay their eggs. The family begins assisting the toads and helps to transport them from place to place. This is a story that can help young children understand the concept of hibernation and migration. Children will likely enjoy the charming story and the idea of helping the toads to their new destination.
March 8, 2021
Toad Migration was an entirely new idea to me. Apparently there is a neighborhood in Philadelphia where they have to help toads safely to a local reservoir to mate each year. According to the author's note in this book newly released in paperback that is the basis for this fun story about a rainy day. I love how the family gets outside and the mom helps the grandmother and daughter see the interesting things that a rainy day creates. The positive spin on a gloomy, rainy day is so welcome. This is a delightful book for Spring. Hopefully it will inspire you to don rainboots and head outside to see what adventures you can find the next time it rains.
August 1, 2020
A mother urges her reluctant mom and daughter outside into a rainy evening, walking through town to where volunteers are helping dozens of toads cross a road. It's based on a real-life annual migration of toads in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia. I especially loved the grumpy petulance of the grandmother who doesn't want to get wet, and the persistent enthusiasm of the mom that spreads to the little girl and eventually even to the grandmother.
Thomas Gonzalez is the illustrator, and his artwork is amazing!
Thomas Gonzalez is the illustrator, and his artwork is amazing!
March 12, 2018
"Toad Weather" is a lovely story about a family adventure that leads to the discovery of the spring migration of toads in a Pennsylvania neighborhood. Neighbors and generations lend a hand to help the toads as they begin their journey to the ponds on the other side of the busy city street. This is on my list to read to my granddaughter when she is a bit older.
January 3, 2018
I love rainbows so the art and front cover was a huge hook for me. This narrative is filled with sensory language and encourages readers to observe. I loved the ending advocating for toads and their safety.
June 28, 2019
Ally is bored and Gramma is grumpy on a slow and rainy afternoon. Mama bursts through the door and insists that they come and see something exciting that is happening downtown. While walking they explore the colors and sounds of a city in the rain - then they discover the toads crossing.
December 7, 2019
Beautifully illustrated picture book about helping toads migrate on a rainy day. Reminded me of Make Way for Ducklings.
August 1, 2017
Amazing optimistic book about looking at the fun side of a rain day!
February 20, 2020
I loved the information this book gave about toads and their migration patterns. There was even some more info in the back which is what my 5 year old loves! Beautiful artwork!
November 26, 2022
Fun! Beautiful art, lovely cadence of adventure story ❤️
February 19, 2015
Ally and her Grandma hate the rainy weather and are moaning about having nothing to do when Ally’s Mum comes in excited and determined to take them on an adventure. On their way to the adventure, Ally’s Mum points out all different things which make the rainy day exciting and interesting rather than boring. When they go round a corner there is a large crowd and Mum explains what the adventure is all about! To find out more you’ll just have to read the story!
This book is superbly illustrated, the images beautifully crafted and detailed, really enhancing the enjoyment of the lovely story. The story is written in an engaging and enthralling manner, taking the reader on Ally’s adventure to find just what her Mum wants to show her. Children are likely to find it easy to relate to the story and love the near photographic, rainy, atmospheric illustrations.
Teachers could easily use this superb book as a fantastic story to share with pupils but it could also be used to initiate any activities relating to looking after our environment and the life that lives there. It could also be used to help introduce work on life cycles, habitats and investigating how we can take steps to minimise the impact humans have on natural environments and the organisms living in them.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is superbly illustrated, the images beautifully crafted and detailed, really enhancing the enjoyment of the lovely story. The story is written in an engaging and enthralling manner, taking the reader on Ally’s adventure to find just what her Mum wants to show her. Children are likely to find it easy to relate to the story and love the near photographic, rainy, atmospheric illustrations.
Teachers could easily use this superb book as a fantastic story to share with pupils but it could also be used to initiate any activities relating to looking after our environment and the life that lives there. It could also be used to help introduce work on life cycles, habitats and investigating how we can take steps to minimise the impact humans have on natural environments and the organisms living in them.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
'Toad Weather' takes the premise of a rainy day, and a real event, and brings us an adventure that can happen on an ordinary day. The illustrations are a wonderful addition and make this a treat for children and the adults sharing the story with them.
Little Ally is bored on a rainy day, but her mom wants her to see something amazing. Grandmother is a little more reluctant to go traipsing around in the rain. Outside the ciyt is transformed into glistening streets and the sound of raindrops on different objects. As they walk through the city another sound grows louder and they see a large crowd. This is what Mama wants to show them. What could it be?
Based on a real life event that happens, it's a wonderful take on the kind of magic that happens all around us that we usually take for granted. As Ally views the city in the rain, we see it with fresh eyes. The story by Sandra Markle is great, and the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez are beautiful renditions of the things that Ally sees with splashing raindrops and shimmering reflections on streets and sidewalks. I was drawn to this book by the cover, and was very pleased with the art and story I found within.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this beautiful children's ebook.
Little Ally is bored on a rainy day, but her mom wants her to see something amazing. Grandmother is a little more reluctant to go traipsing around in the rain. Outside the ciyt is transformed into glistening streets and the sound of raindrops on different objects. As they walk through the city another sound grows louder and they see a large crowd. This is what Mama wants to show them. What could it be?
Based on a real life event that happens, it's a wonderful take on the kind of magic that happens all around us that we usually take for granted. As Ally views the city in the rain, we see it with fresh eyes. The story by Sandra Markle is great, and the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez are beautiful renditions of the things that Ally sees with splashing raindrops and shimmering reflections on streets and sidewalks. I was drawn to this book by the cover, and was very pleased with the art and story I found within.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this beautiful children's ebook.
April 1, 2015
Beautifully done art brings to life a rainy day when light glistens and colors reflect on the watery surfaces. Love the gentle images of the characters as they grace the pages when they sally forth to see what is happening outside in a rainy world.
As Ally gazes at the dull, wet world just outside her window definitely feeling rainy-day doldrums, in bursts her mother who has something wonderful to show her. Mama tells Grandmother and Ally to grab their slickers and boots and come with her. Well, Grandmother doesn't want to go out in the wet. But ultimately they all go.
I loved the text which tells a story with just enough words. The illustrations are colorful and yet still translate the feeling of a wet, rainy, dull, gray day. Love the splashes of various colors in this world of gray.
The story isn't just about going out and splashing around a bit in the rain. No, this has an endearing real-life adventure. You see, when it is "Toad Weather" magical things happen. The story is not just about the rain, it is about the life of toads and why Toad Weather is such a great "happening."
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Peachtree Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.
As Ally gazes at the dull, wet world just outside her window definitely feeling rainy-day doldrums, in bursts her mother who has something wonderful to show her. Mama tells Grandmother and Ally to grab their slickers and boots and come with her. Well, Grandmother doesn't want to go out in the wet. But ultimately they all go.
I loved the text which tells a story with just enough words. The illustrations are colorful and yet still translate the feeling of a wet, rainy, dull, gray day. Love the splashes of various colors in this world of gray.
The story isn't just about going out and splashing around a bit in the rain. No, this has an endearing real-life adventure. You see, when it is "Toad Weather" magical things happen. The story is not just about the rain, it is about the life of toads and why Toad Weather is such a great "happening."
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Peachtree Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.
February 22, 2015
I love Sandra Markle's books because they always have so much to share and this one is no exception. Ally and Grandma both feel that the rainy day is dreary and dull, but Mama coaxes them to come outside with her for a surprise. They bundle up in slickers and boots and head out into the wet world. The two doubters keep asking what the surprise will be and Mama keeps pointing out all that there is to see on a rainy day - colorful umbrellas, puddles to splash in, water shooting up out of a manhole cover. Then she asks them to listen. What is it that sounds like tiny little whistles? It's the surprise!
This is a wonderful book to read on a rainy day and remind each other that there is always something special to see or do, even if the weather isn't perfectly sunny. A fun multi-generational family outing and a science lesson presented in a descriptive narrative that carries readers along with Ally to the big surprise. It could easily be used with a unit on amphibians or weather, or simply as a delightful read-aloud.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This is a wonderful book to read on a rainy day and remind each other that there is always something special to see or do, even if the weather isn't perfectly sunny. A fun multi-generational family outing and a science lesson presented in a descriptive narrative that carries readers along with Ally to the big surprise. It could easily be used with a unit on amphibians or weather, or simply as a delightful read-aloud.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 1, 2015
If a wild creature frequents my yard or garden I have the habit of naming them. As each winter draws to a close, I eagerly await their return. For several years there was a large toad about the size of my closed fist who comfortably resided beneath the big bush next to my front porch. I called him Fred. A tree toad made his home in the corner of my front porch or sometimes I would find him on my back deck. When Theo would appear in the spring I felt like all was right with the world. He was a part of my life for three years.
More than any date on a calendar or weather update I rely on those inhabitants in our natural world to send me signals. They feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth far better than we ever will. I could hardly wait for my copy of Toad Weather (Peachtree Publishers, March 2015) written by Sandra Markle with illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez to arrive. It is well worth the wait.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
More than any date on a calendar or weather update I rely on those inhabitants in our natural world to send me signals. They feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth far better than we ever will. I could hardly wait for my copy of Toad Weather (Peachtree Publishers, March 2015) written by Sandra Markle with illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez to arrive. It is well worth the wait.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
December 18, 2015
After spending a boring rainy day at home, Ally is eager to go on an adventure when her mother promises a surprise will be waiting at the end of their journey. Her grandmother; however, is not so sure about the idea of going out in the rain so close to dark. The three set off on a journey that will change their life-a wild life rescue of city toads!
Told in a format that reads like free verse poetry, this picture book blends the best of a fictional story with that of an informational story based upon a real occurrence in urban Philadelphia. While the voice of the story is silky and dreamy- a fine read aloud, the illustrations boldly capture the bleeding color of the rainy evening and the confusion of hundreds of toads on the move.
I would highly recommend this picture book for any school or public library collections. The story and pictures deserve to be shared with the nature loving child(ren) in your own life.
Told in a format that reads like free verse poetry, this picture book blends the best of a fictional story with that of an informational story based upon a real occurrence in urban Philadelphia. While the voice of the story is silky and dreamy- a fine read aloud, the illustrations boldly capture the bleeding color of the rainy evening and the confusion of hundreds of toads on the move.
I would highly recommend this picture book for any school or public library collections. The story and pictures deserve to be shared with the nature loving child(ren) in your own life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews