This is the true story of the Hula painted frog, which is unique to the Hula Valley in northern Israel. After the Hula marshes were drained in the 1950s in an effort to eliminate disease-causing mosquitoes, the frog was thought to be extinct. However, in 2011 a park ranger rediscovered this rare frog. Now conservationists are working to protect the frogs’ habitat.
The story itself is a riveting one and the author tells it in a way that will appeal to young readers — with humor, fun word-play, and from the perspective of a Hula painted frog. Kid-friendly back matter offers more insights into the history as well as furnishing some fun “froggy facts.”
The vibrant art complements the text well, drawing us into the often mysterious world of nature, using rich greens, blues, and browns.
The story is of Jewish interest as it all takes place in Israel. Through the story, the reader will learn about Israel's geography, topography, and conservation efforts.
The Hula Painted Frog will have wide appeal to all readers, Jewish or not. It is, after all, a STEM book and would be especially useful in the classroom. This book would relate to any number of discussions about nature, environment, and science, as well as including information about Israel’s history and ecosystems. The reader learns how this frog species has survived against all odds along with the valuable impact of human conservation efforts. At its core, this is an educational story of hope and resilience.
Reviewer Belinda Brock earned a MS in Literacy and Language from University of Chicago and her background is in teaching and educational publishing. She authored GG and Mamela, the first children’s book to address hospice care. Her essays have been featured on Kveller, Jewish Women’s Archive, and HuffPost.