Tadpole's Promise

Willis, J., & Ross, T. (2005). Tadpole's Promise. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Readability lexile: AD400L

Adult Directed - Picture books often get an AD or "Adult Directed" code. They're usually read to a child, rather than a child reading them independently. Although seemingly easy reading, some picture books actually have pretty high Lexile measures, and could present a challenging independent reading experience to an age-appropriate reader. Initially, an adult may want to read the book along with the child. 

Summary:

Where the willow tree meets the water, a tadpole met a caterpillar. They gazed into each other's tiny eyes and fell in love. He is her "shiny black pearl," and she is his "beautiful rainbow." "I love everything about you," said the caterpillar. "Promise you'll never change." And foolishly, the tadpole promised. But we all know that tadpoles don't stay the same, and neither do caterpillars. 

When they next meet, he has sprouted two legs. She forgives him, but after he breaks his promise twice more and now looks more like a frog than her "shiny black pearl," the lovelorn larva ends the affair and cries herself to sleep. Meanwhile, the melancholy frog sulks around the pond, making heart-shaped air bubbles that rise to the surface and burst. When the caterpillar awakens, now a butterfly, she decides to forgive her beloved and flies about the water to find him. She is not even able to complete the sentence, "Have you seen my shiny black?" when, without a thought, the frog swallows her whole, and then returns to wondering about whatever happened to his "beautiful rainbow."

Evaluation of the text based on Donna Norton's characteristics of high quality literature (Norton, D. (2011):

This book could be used as high quality literature, because it serves for multiple avenues of learning. For example, this is a wonderful story to use to introduce, or reinforce, the concept of life cycles. However, this may not be suitable for younger children. I would recommend maybe fifth grade or older. Although the ending is a wonderful and certainly realistic twist, it might be a bit harsh for younger children. 

This book could also be used to teach a moral lesson in teaching children to be careful of what kinds of promises they make. Things change and we cannot expect them to stay the same. 

In the Ten Steps for Reviewing Children's Literature by Norton, I think this book addresses relationships. This book talks about the relationship between the tadpole and the caterpillar. 

Literary Elements:

1. Setting: Where the willow tree meets the water.

2. Theme: Trying to keep a promise.

3. Conflict: A tadpole and a caterpillar promise each other something that is unattainable. 

Mini-Lesson:

I would review with my students the life cycles of frogs and butterflies. I would talk about metamorphosis and the various stages of development. If I needed to, I would re-read the book and highlight the various stages. 

Target Audience: Grades 3-6

My personal reaction to this book was I thought it started off as sweet and then I was suddenly surprised the route it ended up taking. I would have to say it is not the most cheerful children's book, but I think it does teach a valuable lesson.