Lottie Loves Nature: Frog Frenzy; Jane Clarke, illustrated by James Brown

This is the first in a series of eco-adventures for Lottie and her pets Nacho the parrot and Einstein the dog.

Lottie really does love nature. Unfortunately, not everyone shares her passion. Her next-door-neighbour, Mr. Parfitt, has gotten rid of the frogs in his garden by turning their habitat into a putting green so he can practice his golf. And when he discovers some pesky ants have now invaded his golfing grass he has a plan to get rid of them too. Lottie though has different ideas and has a plan of her own to save the ants and re-home the frogs…

Lottie Loves Nature is a cleverly written mix of fiction and non-fiction that makes for an engaging and informative read that will encourage readers to do their part in protecting the nature that is right outside their homes. Lottie is fabulous. She is kind, caring, determined, resourceful and respectful of nature. Taking inspiration and advice from her favourite nature presenter Samira Breeze, she is determined to rescue and protect everything, no matter how small. To that end, the narrative is interspersed with an abundance of nature facts, tips and practical pointers to encourage readers to be just like Lottie. Tips on what readers can do to help nature are identified by a special symbol and non-fiction double page spreads feature information on ants, worms, frogs and the circle of life. Throughout the narrative there are lots of brilliant messages on how to look after nature as well as the climate crisis, plastic pollution and reusing. Supporting Lottie’s endeavours is friend from next door, Noah. Noah is much more into science than nature and throughout the story he provides a fantastic science lesson about what a future on Mars might look like and why nature is so important even on another planet!

The book is brilliantly illustrated with black and white drawings. Personal favourites are the pages from Lottie’s nature scrapbook - these look as if Lottie has created them herself. Illustrations supporting the narrative show characters of different ethnicities which is always great to see. Extra content at the back includes additional information on mini garden ponds, a wormery and a few words on endangered anteaters and Lemur leaf frogs.

A very informative story that will promote curiosity about the natural world. With practical ideas and simple projects, readers will feel empowered about how they can make a small difference to help look after the nature where they live.

Recommended for 6+.