What's the Difference Between a Frog and a Toad?

by Mary Firestone, Debra Bandelin (Illustrator)

Compares and contrasts the amphibians in terms of size, skin texture, color, diet, habitat, noises, and reproduction.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books

24 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Claire Binkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago, I once sent a photo of an amphibian to the Cambridge Reptile and Amphibian department to determine whether it were a frog or a toad, since there had been a great deal of flooding in my area and I honestly wasn't sure. They were happy to hear from me and, as I recall, were trying to come up with exactly what species it was. At the end it was determined to just call it an amphibian, since anyway my photography equipment wasn't the best on the market. (My sister probably would have that... it is her passion.)

Given the new data from this book, I think the animal may have been a toad, but it's still possible that it could have been a frog... I folded an umpteen number of those when I was in early high school from all the A+ papers that were handed back to me. So therefore I decided to apply to the best school I could get into!
Of course I was rejected, at first.
So I kept my head down and followed my parents' footsteps.
Then I tried again later, for something I found more familiar.

Whether it is a frog or a toad, there still aren't too many of them left on the planet, so it is important to appreciate them and leave them be, unless they are in the way of traffic. I remember playing Frogger when I was younger, though I don't remember whether it had any fun background music. Well, I researched, "From the moment you press start Frogger plays a steady stream of music -- 26 different song fragments in all." It must have been something indistinct, then.

This book is helpful for those instances when you have a specimen and are trying to identify what it is.

[Kaci Beesecker]

This was an informational book to help the reader learn what the differences between a frog and a toad are. One animal has smooth skin and long legs. The other animal has bumpy skin and short legs. You read the book to discover different attributes each one has to determine which is a frog and which is a toad.

You could teach a unit on amphibians and have them do a KWL chart. They could use the information they already know, then what they wonder, and then what they learned. After they think they understand the differences between the two, you could create a presentation with pictures of frogs and toads and have them guess which one they think it is.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a popular topic for books, but this book is different in its lovely artwork illustrations (not photos), and narrative expository text supplemented with expository fact boxes. First page: "What's that leaping near the pond? It's small and green. It caught a fly! ..."
This is the kind of nonfiction book I wish was around when I was a child. Its attractive illustrations and text that draws in the reader make for a strong introduction to nonfiction for kids who are naturally drawn to story. Plus it's an interesting topic.

[Jaden]

Informational Book

This was a great informational book that explains the difference between a frog and a toad. Even though they look very similar, they have a lot of differences. The author explains where they live, how they move, and what they eat. The author explains the different types and colors of skin and what it is used for.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the difference between a frog and a toad? In this book the author goes over facts about frogs and toads. There is even a myth that is debunked later in the book. While reading the book you will learn where frogs and toads go in the winter, what physical differences frogs and toads have, and where they can be found.

[Sidney McQuade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great informational book that shares the difference between frogs and toads. It also shares the same or similar characteristics that they have in common. It is a good book for when teaching students about amphibians and vertebrates.

[Kylee Champlin]

This book is a short informational book about the life and times of frogs and toads, as well as the difference between the two. This has great informations and illustrations.

[Marcus Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about many differences between frogs and toads. Such as a frog's skin is slimier while a toad's skin is bumpier. I would use this book in a science lesson about the types of animals we see in the midwest. I would also bring one of each into class.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frogs and toads are very similar. I didn't realize that toads are actually a number of different kinds of frogs. All toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. The poison-making gland behind their eyes is kind gross, but I can see where that would come in handy. This was a pretty good book. I learned about frogs and I'm sure children would learn something too.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

You learn something new every day...

Very cool facts and full of 'uh, didn't know that' information.

[Makenzie Soeken]

This informational book discusses the similarities and differences between frogs and toads, a very closely related species that often times get confused. For example, frogs and toads both live near ponds, swamps, or marshes, but frogs can live in trees or on the ground whereas toads only live on the ground. A good activity to do with this book would be to have students create a venn diagram, characterizing the similarities and differences that are discussed in this book.