Review: DANCING FROGS AND OTHER CREATURES IN VERSE

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Title: Dancing Frogs and Other Creatures in Verse
Author: Zai Whitaker
Illustrations by: Bhargavi Rudraraju
Publisher: Talking Cub (an imprint of Speaking Tiger Books)
Length: 148 pages
Type: Paperback
Age recommendation: 8 years+
Genre: Poems/ nature

Here is a review by my 12 year old daughter Ayesha.

If you’ve ever wondered what a beetle thinks while pollinating or how a hermit crab feels when it finds a new shell – this delightful book of poems might just be your new favourite read. Dancing Frogs and Other Creatures in Verse is a charming collection that brings the tiny, often overlooked creatures of our world into the spotlight—with wit, warmth, and a touch of whimsy.

What’s Inside ?

30 Playful Poems: Each poem focuses on a different creature—frogs that dance to attract attention, weaver birds building intricate homes, stick insects blending into their surroundings, and even a cockroach with complaints!

Fun Facts in Verse: The poems aren’t just silly rhymes—they’re packed with real information. You’ll learn that cobras can’t hear and only “dance” by following movement, and that chameleons hide in plain sight.

Amazing Illustrations: The illustrations within the book are bright and vividly imaginative, each one suitable for the tone of the corresponding poem. They work to bring the animals to life.
Short factual Summary : Each poem is supported by a paragraph of some amazing fact related to the creature described

Why It Works ?

Straightforward Language: The poems are simple to comprehend, which is ideal for children and adults. There is no need to be a poetry connoisseur in order to appreciate them.
Educational and Entertaining: It’s a rare mix of learning and laughter. You’ll come away knowing more about nature, but with a smile on your face.
Celebration of Nature: The book reminds us that even the smallest creatures—like scorpions, centipedes, and crustaceans—have fascinating lives worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

This book is a delightful celebration of the small creatures that inhabit our world. It cannot be read in one go. To feel each poem and understand its depth I would recommend picking it up in between other reads. If you’re a lover of nature, a reader of poetry, or simply someone who appreciates witty writing, Dancing Frogs and Other Creatures in Verse is a charming book that changes the way you look at the world. It’s great for reading at bedtime, in the classroom, or simply on your own on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and an inquiring mind.