Hip-Pocket Papa by Sandra Markle

Markle, Sandra.  Hip-Pocket Papa.  Illustrated by Alan Marks.  Charlesbridge, 2010.  PICTURE BOOK.  $15.95  Content, G.  A fascinating story about tiny hip-pocket frogs from Australia.  Hip-pocket frogs watch over the eggs on the forest floor together as mates, but once the eggs hatch the tiny tadpoles crawl into pockets located on the males’ thighs where they stay for thirty days.  In this fabulously illustrated book, the frog avoids predators as he searches for a water pond to take his tadpoles.  The predators are described and at the back of the book there is a glossary explaining the different animals the frog comes across, all Australian species.  Once the male frog finds a pond, the froglets crawl out of his pockets and go their different directions.  Interesting and informative, great for science class.  EL - ADVISABLE  Reviewer, C. Peterson, teacher.