Amphibians

STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– Author Interview with Annette Whipple

By on April 28, 2026   /   Amphibians, Animals, Conservation, For Kids, Nonfiction, Nonfiction Titles, STEM, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Today, we’re interviewing Annette Whipple, author of Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs. The book investigates some of the more than 7,000 frogs around the world and invites readers to take an active interest in their preservation.

 

The Truth About the Writing Process

By Ann McCallum Staats

Ann: There’s a great mix of facts, incredible photography, and just-for-fun jokes and asides (which are TOAD-ally awesome to quote you!) in this book. Can you share how this all came together?

 

 

Annette: Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is part of The Truth About series with Reycraft Books. I had already written about owls, dogs, and spiders—and I was ready to write about an animal familiar to me that I still didn’t know a lot about. (My favorite topics to write about are the ones I’m already curious about!) I suggested to my editor the next book be about frogs, and the whole team was on board!

Ribbit the Truth About Frogs book

Ann: I was fascinated by all the information packed into Ribbit!—who knew that over a 100 new species of frogs are discovered each year, for example? I’m curious; what is your research process like?

Annette: It absolutely amazes me that for the past twenty years (and probably longer) more than a hundred NEW species of amphibians have been found every year—and most of those are frogs! In the first two months of 2026, seven new kinds of frogs have been identified. I think that’s incredible.

Before I begin my official research for The Truth About books, I read general articles online for the topic. At this point, I really just want a good understanding. I’m not taking notes yet. After a bit of general information-gathering, I brainstorm a bit using a topic web (also called the bubble method or mind-mapping) to come up with different ideas I may want to research.

Frog pushing out their mouths

From there I plan my research. For topics like these animal books where I know many of the ideas I’ll research (diet, habitat, reproduction…), I use a spiral notebook as my research notebook. That’s where I take notes! I create a table of contents and number the pages. I also use it to keep track of my sources. For some of my books I use multiple 3-ring binders as well as folders in my file cabinet. I also save articles I’ve read online—either printed or saved as a digital PDF file.

My sources begin with scientific books, online journals, and research articles. (During the information-gathering phase, I’m not fussy about my sources. Once I’m taking notes, I must choose my sources very carefully.) I contact experts I can interview—and often meet. Often university professors are happy to share their knowledge with me—or point me in the right direction to another expert. Sometimes I consult with an expert online and meet with a different expert in person to get as much feedback and information as possible.

When I met with my frog expert, I heard wood frogs quack and the very loud (nearly painful) calls of spring peepers! If we had met a month or two later, we would have found different frog species in the same area.

I wrote an article about using a topic web here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2021/07/how-to-brainstorm-nonfiction-writing.html

I wrote an article about my research notebooks here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2021/09/how-to-set-up-research-notebook.html

Ann: What did you especially enjoy about writing this book? What was challenging for you?

Annette: I loved researching and learning so much more about frogs, because really my knowledge was fairly limited until then. My own knowledge was also my biggest challenge because I had so much to learn!

Images of what frogs eat

Ann: I’m impressed by the design and format of the book. Sections start with a question like “How do frogs eat?” followed by text, stunning photos, and an illustrated aside. How much of the design of the book did you participate in?

Annette: When I pitched the first book in the series, Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls, I stated that I wanted the book to be photo illustrated in addition to art sidebars where I add humor. With that pattern established early on, there weren’t many surprises with Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs. Other than an occasional suggestion to include a photograph of a certain frog species, my design support was minimal.

Ann: You’ve written a lot of books! What is your writing routine like and how do you stay motivated?

Annette: Yes! By the end of this year I will have written more than 40 books. (The longest was 50,000 words. The shortest 250 words.) I don’t write every day, but I do write most days! When I have a hard time staying focused, I set aside a day to just focus on my writing process. So on those days, I don’t want to answer email, fold laundry, or post on social media. On Writing Days, I hunker down and just write!

Ann: What’s your origin story? How did you become a children’s book author?

I began blogging to share my child’s progress overcoming a speech disorder called apraxia. Before long, I realized I wanted to write more, so I took some writing classes and had a few published articles. A few years later I was reading The Chronicles of Narnia with my kids. We had a companion guide called Roar! to go with it. That’s when I realized I wanted to write a book like that: A book about a book—for kids. Soon I was working on The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide and attending writing conferences.

Ann: What’s next for you? What do your fans (me included!) have to look forward to next?

This year I have a few more state books in the Who HQ series that will release including Where Is Missouri?, Where Is Minnesota?, and Where Is Wisconsin? I’m also working on a proposal for a historic nonfiction book—but I don’t have a contract yet!

Maybe I’ll have more news to share soon! I think facts are fun, so that’s my big focus. You can keep up with me with my monthly newsletter at https://substack.com/@annettewhipple. I also use social media! On Facebook and Instagram, find me @AnnetteWhippleBooks. At Twitter/X and BluSky, I’m @AnnetteWhipple. My website is full of articles for curious teachers, families, and writers. https://www.annettewhipple.com/

Ann McCallum Staats is a former teacher and award-winning author. Her latest books are Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants illustrated by Zoë Ingram and A Quilt of Stars, co-written with astronaut Karen Nyberg and illustrated by Alida Massari. Ann loves to follow her curiosity and share what she finds with others. Find out more at www.annmccallumbooks.com

 

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STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– Writing Tips & Resources

By on April 21, 2026   /   Amphibians, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

Hello! Welcome back to STEM Tuesday’s Writing Tips and Resources. I’m Stephanie.

Did you know that axolotls are amphibians? I hadn’t really thought about it before, but it’s true; they’re salamanders. And actually, they’re strange ones, since they don’t fully grow up, but instead stay in their “tadpole” stage, keeping their gills and living underwater completely. Very rarely, they can spontaneously morph into terrestrial animals. When this happens, their gills recede and they depend on their lungs to breathe.

Anyway, happy poetry month! If you’ve read last week’s post, you’re familiar with poems about frogs, like the informative ones found in Amphibian Acrobats. Today I’m excited to share two writerly resources with surprisingly relevant titles. The first, by a Utah poet and professor, is Real Toads, Imaginary Gardens: On Reading and Writing Poetry Forensically (2024). Its title references American poet Marianne Moore, who said that a poem is “an imaginary garden with real toads in them.” Elaborating on that, Rekdal states that a poem is “an artificial structure, yes, but one in which something genuine can live” (5). That definition sings—and croaks, and ribbits—for me. More on frog calls to come. We’ve got one long exercise today. Let’s hop to it.

Part 1 | Gathering Raw Materials

Book coverRekdal writes that, “When it comes to reading or writing poetry, we have to balance between the forensic and the creative, between staying within the bounds of definition and fact and moving into the realm of the interpretive” (35).

Thus, the first step is to gather interesting details for your imaginary garden: nickel-sized glass frogs, perhaps. You’re free to depart from the theme of amphibians, but if you like a good challenge, start there. Think “forensically,” gathering precise words as rhetorical evidence. Imaginary gardens are curated… this is your flowery language, your favorite nature facts rearranged into poetic phrasings. With every additional noun, you’re populating the garden, constructing the banks of the pond. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to brainstorm.

After assembling a motley group of characters, setting details, and imagery, it’s time to begin considering interpretation. How will you make meaning(s) of these things? Rekdal offers this insight, “If anything, poems offer me patterns of expectation and then disregard them in ways I find either delightful, annoying, instructive, or baffling” (3). How can you invite readers to feel those emotions? What might your metaphorical toad be—your something real? Aside from lyrical language, what’s the second layer to the poem? How can you take it from not-story to story? Let’s let those thoughts percolate while we try the next part.

Part 2 | Finding and Shaping Story

Book cover

The second writerly resource for today is A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Sanders. This book addresses structure through several guided readings of Russian short stories. He writes, “We’re always asking, of a work we’re reading (even if it’s one of our own): ‘Is it story yet?’ That’s the moment we’re seeking as we write. We’re revising and revising until we write the text up, so to speak, and it produces that ‘now it’s a story’ feeling” (50). But what is a story? He answers, “We could understand a story as simply a series of…expectation/resolution moments” (12). Isn’t that interesting? That’s also what Paisley Rekdal said about pattern, expectation, surprise. A story, or in our case, poem, has a call-and-response structure. What must come first? What details are essential? What will change? How does the poem end? How can the beginning enhance the end?

Choose an existing poem. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some suggestions: “[rain frog thorn bug bat tent], “Naming the Heartbeats,” or “Amphibians.” Before you’re tempted to read the poem in its entirety, cover up the last 2-6 lines. Read the first portion, then ask yourself these questions. What energy has the poem built up? How do you expect it to end? What ending feels so obvious that it would be disappointing? Now read the rest of the poem. What helps the poem land with a satisfying feeling?

Using your materials from part one, construct a poem that “responds alertly to itself” (Saunders, 29), that makes energy and then uses it (35), “advanc[ing] the story in a non-trivial way” (42). This is much easier said than done, but as Saunders teaches, “That’s really all a story is: a limited set of elements that we read against one another” (48). Tend your imaginary garden. Hide some toads. Find your voice, whether that frog-song is a cro-qui or a different onomatopoeia altogether. (They make lots of different calls!)

Remember that your poem, though it may turn toward a surprising resolution, doesn’t need to answer questions or conclude anything. Its power is the shared journey between writer and reader: sensing and thinking together. Poems can never avoid being situated, being about something, whether or not the author intends it. But as Paisley Rekdal wrote, “If we can all agree on the exact meaning of a poem, doesn’t that suggest the poem itself may be too narrow, even lifeless?” (Kidlit poems are the exception, in which we routinely opt for clarity and conclusions. But write this one for yourself! Poetry-joy is contagious.)

For themed writing prompts geared toward kids, check out Amazing Amphibians from our book list, specifically pages 49 (“Write a Slimy Story”) and 85 (“Write an Amphibian Haiku”). And of course, I’d love it if you clicked over to visit me at StephanieWritesForKids.com for more writerly tips and book recommendations.

Happy writing,

Stephanie

Stephanie Jackson is a mother of four kiddos ages 5-14. Her kidlit work has been published in Cricket magazine, Dirigible Balloon, and elsewhere. She holds an English creative writing degree and writes from her book-glutted home in northern Utah.

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STEM Tuesday– Amphibians– In the Classroom

By on April 14, 2026   /   Amphibians, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

Studying amphibians is a natural interest for most students.  After all, some amphibians hop, they stick out their tongues to catch their meals, and they go back and forth from land to water.  Studying amphibians is also a great way to expand students’ critical thinking skills through STEM.  Luckily, some great books can help teachers, parents, librarians, and others on this mission.

First of all, what is an amphibian?  By definition, they are a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that usually has two different life stages in two different habitats.  That is, larval in a water stage, and breathing in a land environment.  Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.  Caecilians are also included, though they are not as well known.  The word amphibian derives from the Greek words “amphi”, which means “both sides”, and “bio”, which means “life”. This refers to the two stages of life in two different environments.

Many engaging books teach and inspire children to learn more about amphibians.  

Background knowledge:

A good way to introduce amphibians as a subject is to assess your students’ background knowledge and introduce some key vocabulary words.  The following links show the life cycle of frogs.  I’ve also included a list of some vocabulary words related to amphibians, gleaned from some of the books in this month’s list.  The words are: 

Ectothermic, vertebrate, aquatic, metamorphosis, and herpetologist.

Frog Life Cycle: Nat Geo Kids: Video and other information on frogs, including visuals of the life cycle.

Amphibian Vocabulary: a list of amphibian vocabulary from books from the list. Tier 2 and 3, also includes a worksheet to help students use and understand words.

KWL Chart: Can be used to introduce amphibians, and gauge what students already know about them, what questions students have, and what they might want to learn!

Book cover of Amphibian Acrobats

Amphibian Acrobats by Leslie Bulion Illustrated by Robert Meganck

This book is a cleverly written and whimsically illustrated book on amphibians that could be used in a classroom in many ways.  It is oriented around a variety of poem styles that describe various amphibians (including caecilians!), and each entry also provides factual information on the habitat, lifecycle, and other details on each animal.  

Some of the other information in the book is actual notes on the kinds of poems, with specific vocabulary and details on each type of poem. There is also information on the current state of amphibians in the world, and how they need our help; they have included resources on how to help.  There is also a great world map that lists where specific native amphibians live, and it also includes their specific threat of extinction. 

The language in each poem is engaging, with inventive and colorful words describing each creature and their activities.  For example:

The Daredevil Free-Climbers:

We will teethe scummy plants,

Then slurp termites and ants,

When we’re fat burrow frogs, down below!

(Amazing Amphibians, page 39 ebook)

I love the use of “scummy” and “slurp termites and ants”, it’s very visual! And, I’m sure that students would enjoy it also!

Different writing techniques are also used, which could be utilized in class:

The Flag Waver:

A rival hopped up next to him, boi-oing!

A rival hopped up next to him.

Frog’s foot shot out-FLAG! -Take a Swim! Boi-oing!

(Amazing Amphibians, page 31 ebook)

We can always use a new way to introduce onomatopoeia! And this would be great as a read-aloud, to get students interested, and to make them think about word usage, and how to hook their readers.

Activities:

As the book focuses on poetry and the creative use of language, I thought a wonderful way to extend the ideas in this book was to have students write their own creative pieces.  This could be adapted to fit many grade levels.  One possibility is that students could pick their own choice of amphibian to research, and then write a “mini” research project on it.  I have attached a mini book template below.  Of course, it could also be done in PowerPoint or Google Slides. 

Mini Book Template/PDF  

Another idea is to have each student write a poem.  Again, they could choose the amphibian of their choice.  A haiku would be a great way to start, and a template is attached below.  The class could even write a haiku together, and then be released to write their own.  I would also focus on the use of creative, imaginative language to specifically describe their amphibian.  The teacher/parent could read aloud several of the poems, and have students pick out the language that catches their attention, or can make them visualize their amphibian!  

Haiku Pattern Template

Another possible idea is to combine the mini research project with a poem, so that they can produce their own Amphibian Acrobats!

Book cover of Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs

Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple

Do you know a student with burning questions about frogs, like how do they jump so high and why do some of them live underground? If so, then Annette Whipple’s Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is a must for your home or classroom.  It would be great for a read-aloud, or for dipping into to answer some of those questions.  

Another great feature of this book is that Annette has prepared a textbook example of a Teacher Guide for a nonfiction guide.  It is a downloadable package with many treasures inside.  It includes activities for writing, reading, and STEM/STEAM activities; altogether, there are 8 ELA and 11 STEAM activities.  It also includes 4 printable items, including “Lifecycle of a Frog” and “Frog Facts”.   There are also some hands-on activities, such as origami frog math.  All in all, it is a great addition to the book itself, and teachers/librarians will enjoy having these ready-made activities available for their use!

Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs Teacher Guide 

Book cover of Amazing Amphibians

Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders and More by Lisa J. Amstutz

This is an amazing book, chock full of ideas to increase your knowledge of amphibians. It provides factual information, while also giving students many different ways to explore, including through art, cooking, in nature, games, writing, researching, and other hands-on STEM activities.  This would be great for many ages and educational settings, from preschool through at least middle school.  I think it would be useful for many settings, including schools, homeschools, and nature centers.  I’ve chosen a few to highlight below, with some additional sources.  However, there are step-by-step instructions for each activity in the book. It would make an excellent purchase for your personal library, or search for it in your school or town library.

Activity: Making a Frog/Toad Abode (Page 95)

Amphibians in general are at risk for habitat destruction, which can impact their life cycle.  One way that humans can help is to provide shelter and a safe habitat. One of the activities in Amazing Amphibians details how to build a “toad abode”, though it can obviously be for frogs as well.  It is on page 95, and it lists material requirements, as well as instructions on how to build it.  It is a hands-on activity, and would work for many ages, with some adaptations.  It could also be artistic, as some builders encourage decorating the “houses” with mosaic tile and other decorations.  Listed below are some videos that give examples and further instructions on how to build them.

How to Make a Toad/Frog Abode

Another Video: How to Make Toad Abode 

Activity: Making Faux Frog Eggs (Page 56)

A section of this book covers the frog life cycle, and many other books cover it as well. (I’ve provided a link to a Nat Geo Kids section on the Life Cycle of Frogs in the first section).  After they’ve gotten a general introduction, this activity of making “faux” frog eggs would be great for many ages.  

This activity uses water beads, water, and green food coloring.  I did locate another option (more earth-friendly) that used chia seeds, and included creating a whole mini habitat.  The video is attached below.  

Making Frog Eggs with Chia Seeds 

Final Suggestion: 

For kids who are truly interested in studying amphibians and reptiles, there is an online program that is coordinated by the Amphibian Foundation.  It includes “camps” for younger students and classes for amphibian pet owners.  There is a modest cost (see information below).

For older students who are interested in further training, there is a Junior Master Herpeologist Program, which is an 8-week online certification program for kids ages 12-14. 

There are other programs available; click on the link below for more information.

Amphibian Foundation: Online Training for Students

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