What do you think?
Rate this book
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs
Where do frogs live? What sounds do frogs make? How do frogs eat? These and other questions are answered by the author, along with some extra information provided by the frogs themselves.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 15, 2022
16 people want to read
About the author
Annette Whipple
49 books38 followersAnnette Whipple learned to love science and nature during her years as an environmental educator and classroom teacher. Now she teaches through her science books for children. She lives with her family in southeastern Pennsylvania. Annette enjoys reading a good book and snacking on warm chocolate chip cookies. Learn more about Annette, her books, and her presentations at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 30, 2022
I’ll start my review with a quiz: Do frogs quack? Most certainly not—or so I thought. Then I read Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs, by Annette Whipple. Like earlier books in her The Truth About series (spiders, dogs, and owls), Whipple delivers engaging facts using a Q&A format. With the help of eye-popping photos and fun illustrations by Juanbjuan Oliver, Ribbit! answers questions like, How do frogs eat? Why don’t frogs freeze to death? What sounds do frogs make? This brings me back to my quiz. It turns out that one frog—the wood frog—does indeed quack. Only Pacific chorus frogs deliver that familiar "ribbit." The publisher’s official age range is 6-9 years, but I am positive younger and older kids will be captivated by this irresistible non-fiction book. I read an early review copy and immediately preordered a hard copy to have handy when visiting grandkids find frogs, which are abundant around my home. I use iNaturalist's app to identify critters we find, but that and other internet research can't compare to what Whipple's book shares with inquisitive kids (and adults).
May 18, 2022
Ribbit, Whipple’s latest book in THE TRUTH ABOUT series, teaches there is more to frogs than their leaping legs, bulging eyes and sticky tongue. Here are a few of the questions explored.
What is the difference between frogs and toads?
How do some frogs live underground?
Why don’t frogs freeze to death?
Are frogs important to people?
I love the format of this nonfiction picture book. for it is a great mentor text to teach children about text features. A question is posed in a large and appealing font. Each answer is written in kid friendly language so the facts are easy to understand. Clear, crisp photographs of the frog match the question; a sidebar also appears on every page spread and includes Oliver’s illustrations and the frog’s humorous point of view on the topic.
As an adult, I never knew that toads are frogs and blinking helping frogs swallow their food. Other cool facts is depending on the type, tadpoles can take from 2 weeks to 3 years to become a froglet. Couch’s spadefoot toads rest for 9 months underground in the summer. Because the sugar in their blood acts like anti-freeze, spring peepers can survive freezing in the winter and thaw out in the spring.
In my opinion, the most important question Whipple asks and answers is Are frogs important to people? They eat lots of insects, are prey for other animals, and support scientific initiatives in cancer research, pain treatment and chemical testing, The last question, How Can I See Frogs?, provides tips for how to find frogs in your area. I also appreciate Whipple’s advice on caring for a pet frog. Kids (and adults) need to know the facts before committing to owning one as a pet. Other helpful information are directions on how to build a toad house, a glossary, and a list of websites.
As an elementary reading specialist, I adore THE TRUTH ABOUT series because Whipple’s text is accessible to kids at all reading levels. After reading Ribbit, readers of all ages will be even more fascinated with frogs next time they see or hear one in their travels!
What is the difference between frogs and toads?
How do some frogs live underground?
Why don’t frogs freeze to death?
Are frogs important to people?
I love the format of this nonfiction picture book. for it is a great mentor text to teach children about text features. A question is posed in a large and appealing font. Each answer is written in kid friendly language so the facts are easy to understand. Clear, crisp photographs of the frog match the question; a sidebar also appears on every page spread and includes Oliver’s illustrations and the frog’s humorous point of view on the topic.
As an adult, I never knew that toads are frogs and blinking helping frogs swallow their food. Other cool facts is depending on the type, tadpoles can take from 2 weeks to 3 years to become a froglet. Couch’s spadefoot toads rest for 9 months underground in the summer. Because the sugar in their blood acts like anti-freeze, spring peepers can survive freezing in the winter and thaw out in the spring.
In my opinion, the most important question Whipple asks and answers is Are frogs important to people? They eat lots of insects, are prey for other animals, and support scientific initiatives in cancer research, pain treatment and chemical testing, The last question, How Can I See Frogs?, provides tips for how to find frogs in your area. I also appreciate Whipple’s advice on caring for a pet frog. Kids (and adults) need to know the facts before committing to owning one as a pet. Other helpful information are directions on how to build a toad house, a glossary, and a list of websites.
As an elementary reading specialist, I adore THE TRUTH ABOUT series because Whipple’s text is accessible to kids at all reading levels. After reading Ribbit, readers of all ages will be even more fascinated with frogs next time they see or hear one in their travels!
May 13, 2022
Have you ever wondered what the difference was between toads and frogs? Or, maybe as a child you were curious about how frogs ate. Or, maybe your kid wants to know the different sounds that frogs make.
Whatever your question is about frogs, Annette Whipple's new "Truth About" book from Reycraft Books will answer it. With amazing photographs and "Leapin Legs" illustrations on many pages, Annette provides so many answers that you and your child will want to start building a DIY toad house (directions included, of course) immediately!
To be perfectly honest, reading this book is like having a chat with your own personal herpetologist!
Here are a few things I learned from Ribbit!:
More than 100 species of new frogs are discovered each year.
Some frogs quack. (yes, really. Wood frogs!)
The Cane toad can lay 30,000 eggs at a time. WOW! That's a lot of babies!
Frogs invented the frog kick. Duh...
Some frogs live underground. You're going to have to read the book to find out which ones burrow to stay cool in deserts.
Sugar in a frog's body acts like antifreeze and keeps it from freezing during the winter.
Frogs are important to science (see the book for surprising reasons why) and to our ecosystems.
This is Annette's fourth book in the "Truth About Series." All of them make great science books for grades 1-3. You can read about two of her other books (on dogs and spiders) here.
All of Annette's books are great STEM assets for school and home school classrooms, as well as for libraries. Several resources and downloadable activities are available on her website.
Whatever your question is about frogs, Annette Whipple's new "Truth About" book from Reycraft Books will answer it. With amazing photographs and "Leapin Legs" illustrations on many pages, Annette provides so many answers that you and your child will want to start building a DIY toad house (directions included, of course) immediately!
To be perfectly honest, reading this book is like having a chat with your own personal herpetologist!
Here are a few things I learned from Ribbit!:
More than 100 species of new frogs are discovered each year.
Some frogs quack. (yes, really. Wood frogs!)
The Cane toad can lay 30,000 eggs at a time. WOW! That's a lot of babies!
Frogs invented the frog kick. Duh...
Some frogs live underground. You're going to have to read the book to find out which ones burrow to stay cool in deserts.
Sugar in a frog's body acts like antifreeze and keeps it from freezing during the winter.
Frogs are important to science (see the book for surprising reasons why) and to our ecosystems.
This is Annette's fourth book in the "Truth About Series." All of them make great science books for grades 1-3. You can read about two of her other books (on dogs and spiders) here.
All of Annette's books are great STEM assets for school and home school classrooms, as well as for libraries. Several resources and downloadable activities are available on her website.
November 9, 2022
The pebble toad curls into a ball
and rolls away when a tarantula
approaches it.
Who knew?
SPECTACULAR DESIGN and engaging content.
If you're looking for a question-answer text structure - this it!
If you need a text with different narrators speaking, each page has a sidebar with an illustrated frog speaking in first person and sharing another fun fact (related to the topic of that two-page spread); sometimes that fact includes a point of view (e.g., I'm bold. I'm bright. I'm beautiful! Predators see my colors and know I'm poisonous. I'm un-FROG-getable!.
If you need a text with engaging text features, this is it!
If you need a text with photographs that support the text, this is it!
If you're looking for newer tidbits about frogs, ha! Whipple has you covered! (Did you know the cane toad has the fastest tongue? They can capture prey in about 1/10 of a second!)
Whipple closes with the question "Are frogs important to people?" (You probably already know the answer.) Her BACK MATTER IS FABULOUS and includes advice on observing for frogs, pet frogs, "frog fact or fiction?", DIY toad house and a glossary.
OMG - I just realized the cover of the book folds out into a beautiful poster of a glass frog!!!! Oh joy!!!!!
I'd PAIR THIS TEXT with Nic Bishop Frogs for some interesting compare/contrast conversations on layout and design as well as content. Both authors include a note at the end --worthy of comparing.
and rolls away when a tarantula
approaches it.
Who knew?
SPECTACULAR DESIGN and engaging content.
If you're looking for a question-answer text structure - this it!
If you need a text with different narrators speaking, each page has a sidebar with an illustrated frog speaking in first person and sharing another fun fact (related to the topic of that two-page spread); sometimes that fact includes a point of view (e.g., I'm bold. I'm bright. I'm beautiful! Predators see my colors and know I'm poisonous. I'm un-FROG-getable!.
If you need a text with engaging text features, this is it!
If you need a text with photographs that support the text, this is it!
If you're looking for newer tidbits about frogs, ha! Whipple has you covered! (Did you know the cane toad has the fastest tongue? They can capture prey in about 1/10 of a second!)
Whipple closes with the question "Are frogs important to people?" (You probably already know the answer.) Her BACK MATTER IS FABULOUS and includes advice on observing for frogs, pet frogs, "frog fact or fiction?", DIY toad house and a glossary.
OMG - I just realized the cover of the book folds out into a beautiful poster of a glass frog!!!! Oh joy!!!!!
I'd PAIR THIS TEXT with Nic Bishop Frogs for some interesting compare/contrast conversations on layout and design as well as content. Both authors include a note at the end --worthy of comparing.
May 15, 2022
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is packed full of frogs, fun, and facts. I love, love, love this book, and I will read it to all my grandchildren and great grandchildren; and it will be on my coffee table with Annette Whipple’s other books in The Truth About Animals series; and I will use it in my homeschool curriculum materials. An exciting science adventure that will surely delight readers of all ages, it is so much more than a just book. Parents, grandparents, teachers, homeschoolers, and especially kids will be pulled to the nearest pond to check it all out. Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is a picture book, a child’s favorite book, even a bedtime book, a coffee table book, a classroom unit study, a gift. Annette Whipple’s other three Truth About Animals Series books have been nominated to receive a 2022-2023 Award: Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (PA Young Reader’s Choice Award); Scurry! The Truth About Spiders (The Towner Award); and WOOF! The Truth About Dogs (Keystone State Literacy Association).
May 16, 2022
This book is full of engaging, easy-to-digest, fascinating facts about frogs! Each spread of the book begins with a question to pique the reader's interest, like "Who's hopping?" and "What's the difference between frogs and toads?" (Hint: Toads are frogs!). This book's concise text and visually engaging layout makes it a good choice for all kinds of learners and readers, particularly those with an interest in frogs or animals in general (and it's part of a series of other equally engaging books about critters). It even includes instructions on how to build a toad house in your garden! In short, this book is a "hopping" good time!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
Did you know that toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads? That there are frogs living in the DESERT?!? Some tadpoles become froglets in two weeks, while others take up to three years?!?
Those are just a few samples of what I learned today while reading Ribbit! The Truth about Frogs. If you have an amphibian-loving kid in your life (and frankly, who doesn't love frogs?!?), then you must get them a copy of Ribbit! Fascinating facts mixed with gorgeous, colorful photographs and illustrations make this a book to read again and again.
*My review is based on an advance copy of this book which I received for free. However, my review is entirely my own opinions*
Those are just a few samples of what I learned today while reading Ribbit! The Truth about Frogs. If you have an amphibian-loving kid in your life (and frankly, who doesn't love frogs?!?), then you must get them a copy of Ribbit! Fascinating facts mixed with gorgeous, colorful photographs and illustrations make this a book to read again and again.
*My review is based on an advance copy of this book which I received for free. However, my review is entirely my own opinions*
May 14, 2022
This colorful, vibrant book is hoppin’ with all kinds of fun facts about frogs – from their leaping legs to their slimy eggs – to pique the curiosity of young readers and leave them wanting more.
Author Annette Whipple weaves the information in small, bite-sized bits that is just the right size for the early learner. The bright, color pictures make the frogs look like they are ready to leap off of the page. This beautifully-designed book is perfect for the young explorer who loves learning everything about nature – especially frogs. The book includes a full poster behind the dust jacket and a do-it-at-home activity for children (and parents) who enjoy getting their hands dirty.
Author Annette Whipple weaves the information in small, bite-sized bits that is just the right size for the early learner. The bright, color pictures make the frogs look like they are ready to leap off of the page. This beautifully-designed book is perfect for the young explorer who loves learning everything about nature – especially frogs. The book includes a full poster behind the dust jacket and a do-it-at-home activity for children (and parents) who enjoy getting their hands dirty.
May 20, 2022
If you've ever felt frogs are icky and gross, you will walk away from this book knowing they are the coolest animal ever! The Truth About Frogs, by Annette Whipple, not only presents unique, and unusual information but the style in which the information is shared makes it all the more intriguing. For example, she asks readers questions to get them thinking before giving answers. The gorgeous, vibrant images and diagrams provide even more details. These visuals compliment the information beautifully. The reader gains new and fascinating facts on every page. Such a great resource for everyone ages 1-101!
September 2, 2022
This book is chock full of fun and fascinating facts for any curious kid. Along with vivid photos and charts, there are 'leaping legs' sections that are illustrated by a frog character who shares fun puns (ie. TOAD-aly awesome) and cool facts. The book digs deep into amazing tidbits about frogs such as what they eat, the sounds they make, their lifecycle from tadpoles, how they protect themselves, etc. I was especially drawn to the section on how they are important to people. As appealing as the text is for kids, another draw is the make a toad house project and the glossary. Overall, an excellent resource for learning about frogs!
May 16, 2022
The fourth book in the author's The Truth About Series is an illuminating and fascinating overview of the world of frogs. Interesting facts and color photos make each page a stand out for use in the classroom science curriculum. The Q&A format is child friendly and allows kids the opportunity to explore each fact about these unique animals as they discover answers and learn about all aspects of a frog's life.
June 2, 2022
Have you ever wondered about frogs? From their eyes to their tongues, Annette informs us about those features and more in this fact-filled book. Annette has written information in an engaging and fun style that makes you want to learn more. I never knew there were so many varieties of frogs. Reycraft supplemented the text with wonderful photographs and entertaining illustrations. Now, have you ever wondered about dogs, spiders, and owls? Because Annette has written about them as well.
February 10, 2023
I liked this book because the author knows just what facts are most fascinating for kids. And of course kids love to see pictures--this book is designed to balance the text with larger-than-life photography of frogs and their habitats so as not to be too text-heavy. We learned AT LEAST two new things about frogs on every page! Note: Even though the author and I have the same last name, we aren't relatives!
May 2, 2022
The facts are fascinating, the writing is engaging, and the photos are eye-catching! Do you know which frog has the fastest tongue? How about which frog has NO tongue? Although this is technically a picture book, curious readers of ALL AGES (adults included!) will love discovering new and little-known information about these adorable amphibians!
June 5, 2022
Writing engaging nonfiction for young people requires eye-catching photographs or illustrations, fascinating and easy-to-read text, and a page-turning layout. This latest book in the Truth About series has all these features. For teachers and librarians looking to enhance their nonfiction collections, and for parents who have curious-minded and nature loving children, Ribbit! is for you.
May 29, 2022
Exceptional!
June 13, 2022
Perfect book for kids (and adults)! I learned quite a bit about frogs and had a hoppy time along the way. And the photos? They pull you in, then fill you with frog facts.
July 8, 2022
Wonderful! Loved the froggy truths!
February 25, 2023
Very readable with a lot of great photographs.
May 15, 2022
Filled with fascinating frog facts (and a few frog fictions), this book is great fun to read. Find out how frogs’ sticky tongues and blinking eyes are part of the way they eat. Discover that frogs not only leap, but one type of frog can “fly” (glide) to escape predators. And for your next frog field trip, there are tips for frog watching!
August 17, 2023
This book is filled with a generous amount of information and the photography of these creatures is phenomenal! I could look at these colorful amphibian pictures all day long.
Annette Whipple shares a great deal of particulars all throughout the pages. "How DOES sugar in the frog's bloodstream keep them from freezing in the winter months?" I found myself asking this and more, as the details from the book triggered many questions in my mind. I was quickly provided several links to amazing websites to dig deeper into the boggy world of these Kermit creatures.
I love this multi-level learner book, and if you have frog lovers, I think they will too. I'm so glad this author has shared the wonders of "Ribbit" with our young readers. (and old readers like me!)
Annette Whipple shares a great deal of particulars all throughout the pages. "How DOES sugar in the frog's bloodstream keep them from freezing in the winter months?" I found myself asking this and more, as the details from the book triggered many questions in my mind. I was quickly provided several links to amazing websites to dig deeper into the boggy world of these Kermit creatures.
I love this multi-level learner book, and if you have frog lovers, I think they will too. I'm so glad this author has shared the wonders of "Ribbit" with our young readers. (and old readers like me!)
February 21, 2023
Did you know that some frogs freeze in the winter, only to thaw out in the spring?
Or that frogs have a lot to say, but few actually say “Ribbit?”
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple shares these facts plus a whole lot more. This book, part of a series of “Truth About” various animals not only shares fun froggy facts, but also offers ways to find frogs in the wild. It addresses the importance of doing your homework before bringing a frog into your home as a pet and separates the fact from fiction in frog lore.
Not only is it fascinating reading, it also includes some wonderful photos (like the one on the cover). A must have for any nature lover!
Or that frogs have a lot to say, but few actually say “Ribbit?”
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple shares these facts plus a whole lot more. This book, part of a series of “Truth About” various animals not only shares fun froggy facts, but also offers ways to find frogs in the wild. It addresses the importance of doing your homework before bringing a frog into your home as a pet and separates the fact from fiction in frog lore.
Not only is it fascinating reading, it also includes some wonderful photos (like the one on the cover). A must have for any nature lover!
February 18, 2025
Beautiful & informative. Great addition to my daughter's library.
Although it is targeted to children ages 6-9, my (almost) 4yo was nature-lover was an early reader, and I love for her to have books that spark her curiosity and encourage her to keep reading. I plan to add more of "The Truth About..." to our collection.
Although it is targeted to children ages 6-9, my (almost) 4yo was nature-lover was an early reader, and I love for her to have books that spark her curiosity and encourage her to keep reading. I plan to add more of "The Truth About..." to our collection.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews