American Toad
© Loree Griffin Burns
So, this week I’ve been writing about frogs. And toads. And their crazy mating calls. I have a CD called FROG CALLS OF RHODE ISLAND, and have been playing it on an endless loop, trying to describe the calls in words. It would be maddening if it weren’t so fun. My favorite call by far belongs to the American Toad; it’s the easiest to imitate, and doing so totally impresses the neighborhood kids.
(Wanna try it? Come on, you know you do. Okay, press your lips together. Now blow air through them so that you make your lips flapperate (a new word) … sort of like making a raspberry, but without using your tongue. Great. Now flapperate while screaming. I kid you not. Just try it. If it were mating season there would be an American Toad stampede outside your window right now.)
Anyway, I’ve been working hard. Chapters have been written. Frog call quizzes have been aced. I deserve a break. And, so, I am heading off to Storytime at Wellesley Booksmith, where Kristy Dempsey and Christopher Denise will be celebrating their new picture book, ME WITH YOU, later today. I promise to take pictures. And I promise not to do an American Toad imitation while I am there.
Hey! Don’t forget to enter my little raffle: chances are VERY good that you will win a copy of the fabulous BIRDS OF CENTRAL PARK, by Carl Vornberger Seriously. Good. Odds.