Reviews

Toad Weather by Thomas Gonzalez, Sandra Markle

geekwayne's review against another edition

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5.0

'Toad Weather' takes the premise of a rainy day, and a real event, and brings us an adventure that can happen on an ordinary day. The illustrations are a wonderful addition and make this a treat for children and the adults sharing the story with them.

Little Ally is bored on a rainy day, but her mom wants her to see something amazing. Grandmother is a little more reluctant to go traipsing around in the rain. Outside the ciyt is transformed into glistening streets and the sound of raindrops on different objects. As they walk through the city another sound grows louder and they see a large crowd. This is what Mama wants to show them. What could it be?

Based on a real life event that happens, it's a wonderful take on the kind of magic that happens all around us that we usually take for granted. As Ally views the city in the rain, we see it with fresh eyes. The story by Sandra Markle is great, and the illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez are beautiful renditions of the things that Ally sees with splashing raindrops and shimmering reflections on streets and sidewalks. I was drawn to this book by the cover, and was very pleased with the art and story I found within.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Peachtree Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this beautiful children's ebook.

bookjockeybeth's review against another edition

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5.0

ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley

wiseowl33's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute story.

beecheralyson's review against another edition

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4.0

Several years ago, I was walking up some paths in Altadena and came across this one spot where there were a ton of tiny toads crossing the path. They seemed to know where they were going but they were so small that they could have been easily stepped on by runners, walkers, jogging strollers. This book made me remember that moment.

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

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4.0

I find sea turtle migration fascinating. It amazes me how they come back to the same beach to lay their eggs. Little did I know that toads have their own migration cycle.
This fictionalized story tells about this cycle. I can see young children being fascinated with what toads do! As I read, I found myself wanting more information, so I was very happy to see an author's note at the end, giving a bit more info to the story.
The illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez are gorgeous - I found myself reminiscing about books I read as a child. This is book, mostly because of they illustrations, remind me of books I would have picked up as a kid.

jshettel's review against another edition

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5.0

A fictional story about a real world event - the annual toad migration near Philadelphia. Lovely artwork and a wonderful book for environmental awareness.

kittykult's review against another edition

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4.0

Rain-blurred photo-realistic illustrations accompany a story about a young girl whose mother surprises her with a trip outside during a rainy evening. Along the way, the girl learns to appreciate her surroundings as a grouchy grandmother complains. Then she finds that the rain has led hordes of toads to trek across the road in an attempt to get back to the pond for breeding season. This is a great story for children to learn about conservation and respect for all life.

I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley.

scostner's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Sandra Markle's books because they always have so much to share and this one is no exception. Ally and Grandma both feel that the rainy day is dreary and dull, but Mama coaxes them to come outside with her for a surprise. They bundle up in slickers and boots and head out into the wet world. The two doubters keep asking what the surprise will be and Mama keeps pointing out all that there is to see on a rainy day - colorful umbrellas, puddles to splash in, water shooting up out of a manhole cover. Then she asks them to listen. What is it that sounds like tiny little whistles? It's the surprise!

This is a wonderful book to read on a rainy day and remind each other that there is always something special to see or do, even if the weather isn't perfectly sunny. A fun multi-generational family outing and a science lesson presented in a descriptive narrative that carries readers along with Ally to the big surprise. It could easily be used with a unit on amphibians or weather, or simply as a delightful read-aloud.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

jillcd's review against another edition

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5.0

Part of me adores this book because I participated in the Frog Watch for years. This book highlights the best of those experiences. Beautiful story and rich vibrant illustrations make this book a winner!

elephant's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is toadally fantastic! Written in lovely, lyrical prose, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, this story tells the tale of all the adventures that Ally has when her mother coaxes her and her grandmother outside on a rainy, gloomy day. Together they appreciate the colorful umbrellas, the splashing rain and the earthworms on the sidewalk. But, the toads are the real treat. This book is a real treat also. It is toadally wonderful and I think it will make a welcome addition to children's libraries and bookshelves. The book will be released in March and would make a nice spring gift as well. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I highly recommend it!