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Dear Treefrog: A Poetic Picture Book About Friendship, Nature, and Finding Joy for Kids
The story of a lonely girl moving into a new home and the little treefrog that helps her connect to the world around her.
I See You
suddenly
among the tangled green
a tiny dollop of
frog
where before
there was only leaf
. . . Are you new here too?
When a shy girl moves to a strange new home, she discovers a treefrog perched in a secret spot nearby and learns that sometimes, all it takes to connect with the people and the world around us is a little patience, a curious mind, and a willingness to see the world through a different perspective than your own.
I See You
suddenly
among the tangled green
a tiny dollop of
frog
where before
there was only leaf
. . . Are you new here too?
When a shy girl moves to a strange new home, she discovers a treefrog perched in a secret spot nearby and learns that sometimes, all it takes to connect with the people and the world around us is a little patience, a curious mind, and a willingness to see the world through a different perspective than your own.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 25, 2021
6 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Sidman
34 books125 followersThe Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman is today's foremost nature poet for children. Accolades for her books include two Caldecott Honors, a Lee Bennet Hopkins Award, winner of the Claudia Lews Award, and many stars and best of lists. For her award-winning body of work, she won the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She lives in Wayzata, Minnesota. Visit www.joycesidman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 4, 2022
4.5 STARS So beautiful, touching, sensitive. I love how the little treefrog in the yard helps the little girl adjust to her new home, helps her cope with her fears and loneliness, simply by being there. We see the girl's feelings evolve throughout the year, as she begins school (more fear) to finding a classmate with whom she connects--throughout, the treefrog is a source of comfort, wonder, joy. I especially appreciate the section where some kids (who don't end up being a good fit as friends) come over and she doesn't feel comfortable introducing them to the treefrog, yet when she meets the boy in class with whom she has a true connection, she is eager to introduce him to her precious amphibian friend. The poems are lovely and each page has accompanying informational text about treefrogs and back matter has a little more information about how to find them and what we can do to keep their habitat safe. The only reason I'm not giving this five stars is that I do wish there was a bibliography for the non-fiction info, but as it is mostly a fiction book, I am not deducting much for that. The illustrations, while not my typical favorite style, are so immersive and reflective of the heart of each poem that I ended up loving them, too. Highly recommend!
A few of my favorite poems:
To Find You
I must be
a little different
from my
everyday self
As bees whiz
leave tickle
heels sink
into soft dirt
I look
and breathe
and
settle
growing
calmer
steadier
a little less lonely
---------------
There's someone
I want you to meet
Treefrog
Someone
who likes to look
Someone
who doesn't mind waiting
Someone
whose smile
reminds me of yours
Can you please come out and say hello?
A few of my favorite poems:
To Find You
I must be
a little different
from my
everyday self
As bees whiz
leave tickle
heels sink
into soft dirt
I look
and breathe
and
settle
growing
calmer
steadier
a little less lonely
---------------
There's someone
I want you to meet
Treefrog
Someone
who likes to look
Someone
who doesn't mind waiting
Someone
whose smile
reminds me of yours
Can you please come out and say hello?
August 13, 2022
Squee! A new Sidman!
---
Just so you know, a four star Sidman is better than a four star just about anyone else.
The cartoony illustrations here are not to my taste, but some of the aspects of them appealed to me, and I'm sure the target audience finds them all apt.
Besides the beautiful poetry and the scientific notes at the end, there's bonus material & appeal in the book itself. First, it's a very calming book, and even points out that being quiet and patient is the way to find a treefrog (or most other critters). And it has a reference to doing yoga in gym, because a child's pose reminds the girl of a tree frog's natural pose. Second, it has (in fine print) labels on other wonders of nature, including bee balm and marsh marigold.
I did not know tree frogs lived in the US. Listen for the sound of 'running a thumb over a comb, except louder and more musical.'
---
Just so you know, a four star Sidman is better than a four star just about anyone else.
The cartoony illustrations here are not to my taste, but some of the aspects of them appealed to me, and I'm sure the target audience finds them all apt.
Besides the beautiful poetry and the scientific notes at the end, there's bonus material & appeal in the book itself. First, it's a very calming book, and even points out that being quiet and patient is the way to find a treefrog (or most other critters). And it has a reference to doing yoga in gym, because a child's pose reminds the girl of a tree frog's natural pose. Second, it has (in fine print) labels on other wonders of nature, including bee balm and marsh marigold.
I did not know tree frogs lived in the US. Listen for the sound of 'running a thumb over a comb, except louder and more musical.'
January 7, 2021
Dear Treefrog is a delightful story-in-verse told by a girl who observes and befriends a tree frog in her garden. Throughout the seasons, she and her froggy friend watch all the life in the garden, including many different insects and flowers, but the tree frog tends to hide when the more rowdy kids come to cartwheel. As someone who has befriended many tree frogs in my youth, I encourage readers to take a moment to be still with this book, and perhaps you may encounter an amphibian in your own garden journeys!
May 20, 2021
Absolutely exquisite.
Some of the poems sent chills down my spine.
And I want to go find a treefrog.
Some of the poems sent chills down my spine.
And I want to go find a treefrog.
November 3, 2021
We enjoyed the illustrations and most of the poems. My favorite part was Mara repeating (and repeating and repeating) “Wookit Mama! A Fwog! Wookit Mama! A Fwog! Wibbit! Wibbit!” ❤️
October 6, 2023
Lovely book - part poetry part tree frog facts.
August 8, 2021
3.75 stars. Even though this is a book of poems by the talented Joyce Sidman, this one is more of a story about a young girl and the treefrog she spots at her new home. The bright colorful illustrations and inviting cover by Diana Sudyka is what will it make popular with kids and parents looking for books to checkout during visits to the library.
August 10, 2021
4.5 stars. Beautiful poetic storytelling with information about treefrogs included with each page.
August 12, 2021
Great combo of poetry, new surroundings and science/environment in a picture book.
September 9, 2021
A GREAT blend of poetry with facts about treefrogs. This would be a great book to introduce poetry in a classroom while teaching facts about treefrogs.
April 6, 2022
Sensitive and lush.
June 26, 2021
Beautiful, twee, educational!
February 22, 2022
Combining poetry and scientific fact in Sidman's characteristic style, readers learn about the treefrog.
June 4, 2021
When a girl moves to a new home, she hides in the garden and discovers a treefrog there. When she watches how still the frog is, she slows down too. Looking closely at the frog, she notices his sticky toes and long feet. Iin order to find the frog, she has to take deep breaths and look closely. The frog helps her feel less lonely. He hides when a group of kids visits, something that the girl is thankful for since they were loud and trampled the garden. When a storm blows through, the frog not only survives it but is refreshed by the water. Heading to school, the girl curls up like a frog on her yoga mat. That’s when she meets a classmate who is quiet too, someone she can trust to show the treefrog, another friend.
Told in a series of poems, this picture book is a stellar mix of verse, exploring nature, and treefrog information. The verse is from the little girl’s perspective and readers get to know her quiet well as she is worried at first about the move, finds solace in the treefrog in her garden, and eventually is brave enough to make a new friend who is thoughtful too and wants to spend time outside watching. The treefrog facts are offered in the corner of the page, supported by each poem and celebrating the unique elements of this creature.
The illustrations by Sudyka are lush and full of green. They show a wild garden by the house with plants taller than the girl herself. The frog is there for readers to know on the first pages. The garden frames the girl and frog with plants and greenery, offering them an almost tropical paradise in which to form their friendship.
Fantastic froggy friendship and facts. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
Told in a series of poems, this picture book is a stellar mix of verse, exploring nature, and treefrog information. The verse is from the little girl’s perspective and readers get to know her quiet well as she is worried at first about the move, finds solace in the treefrog in her garden, and eventually is brave enough to make a new friend who is thoughtful too and wants to spend time outside watching. The treefrog facts are offered in the corner of the page, supported by each poem and celebrating the unique elements of this creature.
The illustrations by Sudyka are lush and full of green. They show a wild garden by the house with plants taller than the girl herself. The frog is there for readers to know on the first pages. The garden frames the girl and frog with plants and greenery, offering them an almost tropical paradise in which to form their friendship.
Fantastic froggy friendship and facts. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
August 10, 2021
An introduction to the tree frog and the observation skills necessary to locate and observe ;). Each two-page layout has an easy to read aloud short poem (from the girl's perspective) paired with a short expository text on some characteristic of the tree frog. The poems contain some facts about the tree frog while also revealing how to locate and observe the frogs, even what to notice - all in service of a young girl who has moved to a new neighborhood and finds solace in the presence of this creature. Across the seasons, while the frog moves through its life cycle and hibernation, the girl makes a friend who also cherishes the presence of the tree frog.
So much potential for conversations - depending on the needs of your students. There's one poem in which Sidman compares the tree frog "perched on a stem like a sailor on the rigging gold eyes-sparkling like flecks in the sun" and Sudyka has created a beautiful supporting illustration. Both beg our students to look/read closely and share their beyond-the-text thinking. And with older students, the poems can serve as mentor texts for young writers. How can you turn your research on an animal into a poem?
This books may inspire young naturalists to slow down and explore in the school yard or other spots in their community. Lots of wisdom to glean from the poems. In one poem, the friends who come are too rowdy and never get to see the frog!
PAIR THIS TEXT WITH - If students want to learn more about frogs, create a text set in your classroom library that includes-
*Fabulous Frogs by Martin Jenkins
*Frogs by Nic Bishop
*A Frog's Life by Irene Kelly
*The Frog Book by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
So much potential for conversations - depending on the needs of your students. There's one poem in which Sidman compares the tree frog "perched on a stem like a sailor on the rigging gold eyes-sparkling like flecks in the sun" and Sudyka has created a beautiful supporting illustration. Both beg our students to look/read closely and share their beyond-the-text thinking. And with older students, the poems can serve as mentor texts for young writers. How can you turn your research on an animal into a poem?
This books may inspire young naturalists to slow down and explore in the school yard or other spots in their community. Lots of wisdom to glean from the poems. In one poem, the friends who come are too rowdy and never get to see the frog!
PAIR THIS TEXT WITH - If students want to learn more about frogs, create a text set in your classroom library that includes-
*Fabulous Frogs by Martin Jenkins
*Frogs by Nic Bishop
*A Frog's Life by Irene Kelly
*The Frog Book by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
October 2, 2024
Copyright Date: 2021
Award: NCTE Poetry
Classroom Use: I think this book would be great to use in a classroom when integrating poetry into scientific topics like the life of tree frogs! Along with the poem about tree frogs on each page, there is also a paragraph of facts about tree frogs, relevant to the poem.
Personal Thoughts: I love the idea of including a series of facts on each page along with the poems on each page.
Award: NCTE Poetry
Classroom Use: I think this book would be great to use in a classroom when integrating poetry into scientific topics like the life of tree frogs! Along with the poem about tree frogs on each page, there is also a paragraph of facts about tree frogs, relevant to the poem.
Personal Thoughts: I love the idea of including a series of facts on each page along with the poems on each page.
June 6, 2021
I thought this was a gorgeous book! I loved the beautiful illustrations and the charming, sweet poetry. A little girl moves to a new home and discovers a tree frog living in her yard. This little animal provides her friendship when she is feeling a little lonely and shy and courage to move forward in her new life. I thought it was a beautiful book and story.
August 8, 2021
Poetry and facts combine to share info about tree frogs. Illustrations are labeled to identify other animals, insects and plants. Sadly some images and labels disappear into the gutters. The note at the end has more tree frog facts including how to help them.
December 6, 2021
Dear Treefrog written by Joyce Sidman is a story written in verse about a young girl and her fascination and new learnings about the life of treefrogs, as she bonds with the treefrog her knowledge and experiences with the treefrog grows. I found this story on the National Council of Teachers of English on their list “NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children”. I found the concept of providing nonfiction content in poetic verse as a unique and effective concept. I enjoyed it in this format because it made it an easier and more enjoyable way of learning about treefrogs. Each page had a new mini poem about the environment or color or everyday actions of a tree frog. I first heard this story on audible and then found a read aloud on YouTube, the illustrations were very colorful and appealing to the eye. I think that this is a story that can be used in a Science lesson by bringing English and Science together. This story can be used as an introduction to learn about tree frogs. In English students can write a verse/poem about an animal that they have learned about.
November 6, 2021
Dear Treefrog is two stories blended into one book: a story about children playing and looking for treefrogs, and it also is a wonderful science book about these creatures. Parts of the treefrogs surroundings are labeled as are other creatures that live together in the treefrogs environment. A nice page of information on the treefrog is included at the back of the book.
Dear Treefrog finds a little girl moving. She appears to be apprehensive. It is summer, and her day brightens when she discovers the delightful world of treefrogs. The book is a journey through the seasons. The little girl experiences numerous apprehensive times: starting a new school and making friends. It seems the treefrog helps the little girl settle in to her new surroundings.
The colors are cheerful and draw the reader into the story. This would make an easy-to-read wordless book. Any child that has ever found a frog will enjoy learning more by reading this book.
Dear Treefrog finds a little girl moving. She appears to be apprehensive. It is summer, and her day brightens when she discovers the delightful world of treefrogs. The book is a journey through the seasons. The little girl experiences numerous apprehensive times: starting a new school and making friends. It seems the treefrog helps the little girl settle in to her new surroundings.
The colors are cheerful and draw the reader into the story. This would make an easy-to-read wordless book. Any child that has ever found a frog will enjoy learning more by reading this book.
September 23, 2021
Set against a background of Diana Sudyka’s lush, brightly colored double-page paintings, Joyce Sidman’s free-form poems filled with observations and introspection on verso pages are matched with factoids about treefrogs on recto pages. In summer, a shy, young girl in a new home makes a quiet discovery. “I See You / suddenly / among the tangled green / a tiny dollop of / frog / where before / there was only leaf / . . . / Are you new here too?” After she introduces a new friend, a young boy, to Treefrog, he also is fascinated by the tiny creature. As the story progresses, Treefrog disappears during the winter, and then in the final poem, spring arrives. “We See You / suddenly / a tiny dollop of / frog / where before / there was only leaf / . . . / Dear Treefrog / did you miss us too?” Back matter features a “More About Treefrogs and How to Welcome Them” page. (PreK-Gr 2)
November 29, 2021
This book of poems titled, "Dear Treefrog" is written by Joyce Sidman. It was one of the recipients of the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, I think in 2021 (it wasn't clear). I really enjoy poems because they can stand alone as their own stories, not having to commit to reading the whole book. Each poem, is of course, about a treefrog. The author draws connections to being human throughout the book. For example she wrote, "so still the busy world hops around you, and I slow down too". One of my favorite pages was when she writing to the tad pool, "Do you remember your other life? Swimming through duck weed with a tail like ribbon?" This would be great literature to supplement science in elementary school. Pages could even be broken down into lessons. It's a really fun read with very detailed and fun illustrations!
February 25, 2024
The vibrant greens of nature dominate the illustrations of a young girl exploring her new home territory. One of her first encounters is with a small treefrog and the book follows their friendship for almost a year. As the girl seeks out new human friends, she also protects her treefrog friend from those who might thoughtlessly harm it and finally shares its existence with a young boy who likes to look and doesn't mind waiting for the treefrog to appear. Each spread is anchored first with a lyrical poem containing the girl's thoughts and second with a short nonfiction paragraph about treefrogs. Backmatter in a question-and-answer format explains more about treefrogs and how to welcome them.
June 8, 2021
A lovely book about moving to a new home and making friends with a tree frog while waiting to make new friends in the neighborhood. The book takes you through the season of the year - and the seasons in a tree frog's life! The poems describing the young girl's feelings and experiences are offset with factual information about tree frogs.
Of course, September eventually rolls around and it is time to go to a new school - I liked this fall poem from the book.
No Frogs
today
in the yard
at the park
or by the pond
Good thing
I took pictures
of you
with my eyes
to
keep
inside me
when I am
trying to
be brave
Of course, September eventually rolls around and it is time to go to a new school - I liked this fall poem from the book.
No Frogs
today
in the yard
at the park
or by the pond
Good thing
I took pictures
of you
with my eyes
to
keep
inside me
when I am
trying to
be brave
April 3, 2022
This is a warming story. Moving for anyone can be extremely scary, especially as a young girl. Feeling lost, lonely, she finds this treefrog to connect with. Making a connection to help her feel a little less lonely. Going through his habitat and finding him, trying to introduce other kids who come over to the tree frog, her first friend. She always thinks of the treefrog in many scenarios, and it shows the connection she made with the treefrog to face this new life. This is a wonderful story to read to children to show them making friends and connections can be with whatever to help you feel comfortable, and it's okay to be uneasy with new experiences.
September 13, 2023
Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman; illustrated By Diana Sudyka.
This enjoyable book is in letter poems telling the story by speaking to the frog through notes addressed to him. The story begins with this young girl who has packed up and moved to a new house with her family and she spots a treefrog in the midst of the greenery at her new home. The story is written from the little girl's point of view. The little girl talks and plays with him outside, allowing for the reader to experience the little girl's adventures with the treefrog and how he introduces her to the outside world that she didn’t have much of an attraction to before she found him. Throughout the book the little girl explains facts about treefrogs and their ways of life during the different seasons of the year. The remarkable pictures illustrated on each page add to the imagination of the story. Children will have an enjoyable read learning about the ways to be okay with new changes and the environment it may bring along with it. I would use this with younger students in grades kindergarten or first grade by teaching them that changes are good and you can make new unexpected friends along the way. Recommended for children ages preschool-grade 3.
This enjoyable book is in letter poems telling the story by speaking to the frog through notes addressed to him. The story begins with this young girl who has packed up and moved to a new house with her family and she spots a treefrog in the midst of the greenery at her new home. The story is written from the little girl's point of view. The little girl talks and plays with him outside, allowing for the reader to experience the little girl's adventures with the treefrog and how he introduces her to the outside world that she didn’t have much of an attraction to before she found him. Throughout the book the little girl explains facts about treefrogs and their ways of life during the different seasons of the year. The remarkable pictures illustrated on each page add to the imagination of the story. Children will have an enjoyable read learning about the ways to be okay with new changes and the environment it may bring along with it. I would use this with younger students in grades kindergarten or first grade by teaching them that changes are good and you can make new unexpected friends along the way. Recommended for children ages preschool-grade 3.
November 12, 2023
Dear Treefrog, 2021
NCTE
The narrative is told through a sequence of notes the girl sends to the treefrog, in which she expresses her admiration for its vivid colors and capacity to adapt depending on the months. The treefrog reacts to the letters by showing its flexibility and fortitude in the midst of shifting weather patterns and predator dangers.
I would use this book as a read aloud in my classroom. Also make for a fun project for writing letters and making a poster board with him for each season. To see how my students thoughts for each season could be, and how it changes.
NCTE
The narrative is told through a sequence of notes the girl sends to the treefrog, in which she expresses her admiration for its vivid colors and capacity to adapt depending on the months. The treefrog reacts to the letters by showing its flexibility and fortitude in the midst of shifting weather patterns and predator dangers.
I would use this book as a read aloud in my classroom. Also make for a fun project for writing letters and making a poster board with him for each season. To see how my students thoughts for each season could be, and how it changes.
February 28, 2024
A book about common gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) full of little poems and little facts. Cheered me up very much on this very grey and heavy day.
Sidman's writing is so vivid yet simple. My favourite little parts:
- "I took pictures of you with my eyes to keep inside me when I am trying to be brave"
- "In gym today during child's post I became a treefrog curled around the still green center of my heart"
- "Against the window glass we see more of you than ever / Your pale belly and gummy toes / Your half-moon throat that flutters silently / Your breath so close to ours"
Sidman's writing is so vivid yet simple. My favourite little parts:
- "I took pictures of you with my eyes to keep inside me when I am trying to be brave"
- "In gym today during child's post I became a treefrog curled around the still green center of my heart"
- "Against the window glass we see more of you than ever / Your pale belly and gummy toes / Your half-moon throat that flutters silently / Your breath so close to ours"
April 27, 2025
Short poetic passages explain the questions of the girl for the treefrog she finds in her new home. The quiet ways of the treefrog suit her anxious heart and help her to adapt to her new home. Like any first friend, it can be hard to not see them and to go new places without them. The text and illustrations pair well and the smaller print of facts on each two page spread allow for further learning as does the last page of the book.
For all the nature lovers out there, watch for the tree frogs!
For all the nature lovers out there, watch for the tree frogs!
May 30, 2021
There is so much to love about this book!
The illustrations are gorgeous! (Well at least of the animals and plants. I didn't love the way the humans were drawn)
The poetry is beautiful!
It tells lots of information about treefrog while relating to the poetry. The book also incorporates a girl who is feeling lonely in a new place and her struggle to find a place for herself.
It's really quite remarkable what Sidman manages to accomplish in this picture booK!
The illustrations are gorgeous! (Well at least of the animals and plants. I didn't love the way the humans were drawn)
The poetry is beautiful!
It tells lots of information about treefrog while relating to the poetry. The book also incorporates a girl who is feeling lonely in a new place and her struggle to find a place for herself.
It's really quite remarkable what Sidman manages to accomplish in this picture booK!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews