The Incredible Pop-Up Frog and other wetland creatures

Beautifully presented and bursting with information, ‘The Incredible Pop-Up Frog and other wetland creatures’ is an absorbing read, with plenty of interactive elements to keep readers engaged.

A mixture of pop-ups, wheels, flaps to lift and tabs to pull allow readers to explore different wetland environments and the creatures which live there. Headings and side headings help readers to locate information which is presented in clearly written, well explained sections. This is one of those books which really has no upper age limit- there is plenty to fascinate everyone.

Teachers could take inspiration from the way food chains have been presented using a wheel which turns to show these links in five different locations, perhaps inspiring children to create their own in this way. Similarly, creating a fold out diagram like the one showing the life cycle of a frog is a far more appealing way of presenting this information than a simple drawing. There is plenty of information here which extends beyond the confines of the science curriculum, developing children’s knowledge and understanding in a very visual way.

As well as focusing in on different locations from around the world and allowing readers to compare and contrast these, the book offers information about the different depth zones- the surface, the middle and the bottom of watery locations. The final page encourages readers to try creating their own wetland environment, something which could be done at home or at school and offer the opportunity for children to work scientifically, carefully observing nature and enjoying the benefits such activities can bring.

The Incredible Pop-Up Frog and other wetland creatures

Ben Hoare, illustrated by Jasmine Floyd

Templar ISBN: 978-1800788718

NNFN2023: Water

Perfect for NNFN2023, ‘Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth’ is an accessible, engaging read. Starting with the first water on Earth, each spread is full of attractive illustrations and has a ‘Face the Facts’ section which presents information as bullet points.

The book is packed with fascinating facts, clearly explained, like the difference between blue and green water or that rivers power about 17% of the world’s electricity. Stressing the importance of water to life on Earth, the information here does not shy away from the problems caused by pollution and climate change. Freshwater habitats, which are home to many creatures, are drying up, millions of people lack access to clean water across the planet and although points on both side of this argument are presented, using water power can cause damage to the natural world.

However, the book ends on a positive note, giving the reader ideas for how they can take action and use water wisely. Simple wells and taps are bringing clean water to villages in sub-Saharan Africa which gives girls a chance to go to school and women the chance to work, using rainwater to water plants, joining river clean-ups…lots of positive steps which are being, and can be, taken are highlighted and information about ‘Water Action Decade’ is included at the end of the book, inspiring readers to investigate further. This is a wonderful book which clearly and calmly encourages readers to consider the role played by water in our lives.

Water: Protect Freshwater to Save Life on Earth

Catherine Barr, illustrated by Christiane Engel

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074463