Freddy the Frogcaster entertains while also teaching kids to love learning. Meteorologist Janice Dean combines her weather expertise with Russ Cox's engaging, humorous illustrations for a story that's irresistible to both child and parent. The text is inspiring and fun to read aloud. Freddy is a froggy who has loved weather since he was a baby. He studies weather patterns and shares them at show-and-tell and everywhere else he can. When the local TV meteorologist fails to do her job well, the town turns to Freddy. This little guy saves the day just in time for the big Leapfrog Picnic. Kids are inspired to study up on their own areas of interest. For those fascinated by Freddy's favorite field, there are several pages of meteorological definitions and explanations at the end of the book. My 7-year-old nephew loves it, and so does my 22-month-old son. Lately it's the only book he's grabbing from the bookshelf. I think younger kids are drawn in by the pictures, while older ones love that it's the little guy to the rescue.