Freddy the Frogcaster



Last updated Thursday, April 10, 2014

Author: Janice Dean
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1621570843
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2014

Synopsis: Freddy the Frog loves learning about the weather, and he's known for having the best predictions in town. But what happens when the town picnic is almost ruined by a storm that catches the local frogcaster by surprise? Freddy has to step in to save the day! Well-known Fox News Meteorologist Janice Dean pens this exciting and hilarious tale about an aspiring weathercaster who can't keep his eyes off the sky.

Note to readers:
•  The author, Janice Dean is a meteorologist for Fox News. She is known as "Janice Dean the Weather Machine".
•  The last few pages after the story contains interesting information about weather and also a glossary.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is Freddy?
•  What is a "Frogcaster"?
•  What type of weather is on the cover?

Vocabulary:
•  Also, see glossary at the end of the book.
•  meteorologist - One who reports and forecasts weather conditions.
•  forecast - A prediction or estimate of future events, esp. coming weather or a financial trend.
•  barometer - An instrument used to measure air pressure and predict changes in the weather.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How did Freddy become know as Freddy the Frogcaster?
•  How did Freddy forecast the weather?
•  How can you use the information in the book to predict the weather?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a weather chart. Use a paper plate or cut round paper. Draw lines to divide the circle into four parts. Draw or cut out 4 types of weather descriptions - a sun, a cloud (can use cotton ball), an umbrella & rain drops, and wind or snow. Use the pointer to show what the weather is today or what you would like the weather to be.
•  Draw several boxes on paper, then draw a series of the weather changes - dark clouds in the first box, rain in the second, the sun & a rainbow in the next, and so on.

Special activities:
•  Take turns giving a weather forecast to the rest of the group. Use the printed form from www.RegneryKids.com to record your own predictions about the weather.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!