Tadpole Summer is one of those books that causes the reader to stop and reflect long after finishing the final page. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming, it embraces the siblings of children with life-limiting illnesses providing them with hope and purpose. This book will inspire readers to take action and help others, raising money and awareness for those who are unable to do it for themselves.
Frog is a force of nature. Strong and active, she loves living life outside discovering animals and enjoying everything summer has to offer. But this year is different – her younger brother Tad isn’t able to join her to collect frogspawn and explore the beauty of the garden. He has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that causes him to become weaker. This summer, he’s in the hospital, Mum and Dad are constantly going back and forth to stay with him while Frog is with Grandad who is bursting with big ideas for their time together. She’s worried and can’t imagine life without Tad.
Frog seeks peace and reassurance in nature. The beautiful parallel imagery of her developing frogspawn and Tad’s condition will challenge readers to look beyond the words on the page to find deeper meaning.
This story of sibling love, loss, healing and hope is completely unforgettable and a must for Key Stage Two libraries. It would be a beautiful class read aloud for Year 5 or 6 (with a sensitivity check first).
Thank you to Nosy Crow for this lovely book!
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