on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
Molly likes her tadpoles better than her baby brother Davey but admires Davey's growth over a period of several months and compares it to the development of her tadpoles. Includes instructions for caring for tadpoles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be a tadpole transforming into a frog?
Why do you think the story focused on the life of a tadpole?
How do you think the other pond creatures help the tadpole grow?
What lesson can we learn from the tadpole’s journey in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, read the book together and let your child reflect on the illustrations and story.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the tadpole and ask how they would feel during different parts of the story.
Relate the stages of the tadpole’s growth to your child’s own growth and milestones.
Discuss the importance of the environment and community in supporting growth, drawing parallels to the child's own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Growth and Transformation
Explanation: The story of 'Tadpoles' beautifully illustrates the life cycle of a frog, showing the transformation from a tadpole to a fully grown frog.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that growth and change are natural parts of life, helping them to embrace their own personal developments and changes as they grow.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As the tadpoles go through stages before becoming frogs, the book teaches the virtue of patience in waiting for the tadpoles to transform.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of waiting patiently for outcomes in different situations, such as the growth of a plant from a seed or waiting for their turn in games.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist shows an eagerness to learn more about tadpoles and their environment, which is encouraged by supportive figures around them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the natural world and seek knowledge actively, which can be fostered through educational outings or science projects.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of tadpoles and observing their needs teaches children about responsibility and caring for other living things.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children taking more responsibility in caring for pets, plants, or helping around the home.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of respecting wildlife and their natural habitats as the children learn not to disrupt the tadpoles' environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes environmental consciousness and the importance of keeping natural habitats undisturbed, which children can practice by participating in local clean-up days or nature conservation activities.