| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guides) |
| Best for Visual Learners | Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best for Students | Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles |
| Best Field Guide | National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America |
| Best for Kids | Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) |
| Best for All Age Groups | Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best Book to Get Kids Interested | Magnificent Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (The Magnificent Book of) |
| Best for Advanced Learners | Herpetology |
Did you know that 90% of all amphibians are frogs? It’s true of the over 8,000 species of amphibians. More than 7,000 of them are frogs and toads. But what are amphibians exactly? Amphibians are cold-blooded, semi-aquatic vertebrates, meaning they can live on both land and water. There are three main types of amphibians: Anura, Apoda, and Urodela. The Anura group mainly consists of toads and frogs. Apoda comprises worm-like creatures that live in the ground and streams. And Urodela includes salamanders and newts.
If you’re looking to pique your interest in or learn more about these remarkable creatures, you’ve come to the right place! This article lists some of the most informative books about amphibians.
Check Amazon- 512 pages.
- A comprehensive guide for readers of all ages.
- It covers 595 species and is the best-seller field guide.
Check Amazon- 272 pages.
- An encyclopedia covering many families of reptile and amphibian species.
- Maps for families of turtles, frogs, and salamanders.
Check Amazon- 176 pages.
- A National Geographic field guide on the amphibians and reptiles of North America.
- Covers 148 species.
Check Amazon- 128 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Part of the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books series.
Check Amazon- 160 pages.
- Recommended for readers ages 8 through 12.
- A fun field guide for children and families to learn about amphibians and reptiles.
Check Amazon- 80 pages.
- Recommended for readers ages 8 through 12.
- An illustrated look at amphibians and reptiles throughout the world.
Check Amazon- 744 pages.
- A textbook on amphibians and reptiles, and why they're grouped under herpetology, despite their differences.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Books About Amphibians
#1 Best Overall: Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America by Robert Powell, Roger Conant and Joseph T. Collins
The Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America is our choice for the #1 Best Overall book about amphibians. This is one of the 22 books in the Peterson Field Guides series. With a spectacular 4.8-star rating and over 800 reviews on Amazon, the book is essentially the legacy of one of the authors, Roger Conant. This field guide is one of the most in-depth, well-researched books about amphibians on the market a book and is beloved by nature enthusiasts and wildlife biologists alike.
The book represents 25 years’ worth of collaborative research by three authors. This book, which is only available in paperback, has everything you need to know about amphibian species: their evolutionary details, distributions, conservation status, what they look like, and where you could spot them. So if you’re a nature enthusiast looking to make the world a better place for these water and land-bound species, this book should be on your bookshelf!
Several reviewers said that there are issues with this, the fourth edition, that didn’t exist in the third edition.
Pros and Cons of Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America by Robert Powell, Roger Conant, Joseph T. Collins
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is one of the 22 books in the Peterson Field Guides series. | It’s only available in paperback. |
| It has a 4.8-star rating. | Several reviewers said that there are issues with this, the fourth edition, that didn’t exist in the third edition. |
| This field guide is one of the most in-depth, well-research books about amphibians available, featuring 25 year’s worth of collaborative research from three authors. | |
| It includes the following information for each amphibian species: their evolutionary details, distributions, conservation status, what they look like, and where you could spot them. |
- 512 pages.
- A comprehensive guide for readers of all ages.
- It covers 595 species and is the best-seller field guide.
2. Best for Visual Learners: Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians by Chris Mattison
The Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians is an animal encyclopedia that focuses on amphibians and reptiles. This hardcover book features over 300 informative illustrations and intuitive information about various species. This book is an invaluable research tool if you are looking to find detailed information about amphibians and reptiles. Anything from frogs to salamanders to lizards, this book has it all. Chris Mattison, the author of Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, has an honors degree in zoology. He also specializes in the natural history of reptiles and amphibians. With his audience spread all over the U.S. and Europe, he has published at least 20 books in herpetology (the study of amphibians). This book is an excellent read for someone who is seeking to expand their knowledge of amphibians.
A reader covered the book’s true essence, saying, “This timely third edition combines the latest advances with traditional knowledge. The large format is necessitated by the wonderful photographs and drawings that highlight each page…. Hopefully, this volume will engender a better, more positive appreciation of this oft-misunderstood or feared fellow inhabitants of the planet. Highly recommended. All library collections.”
This encyclopedia has an astounding 4.9-star rating with no negative reviews.
Pros and Cons of Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians by Chris Mattison
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This encyclopedia focuses on amphibians and reptiles. | It’s only available in hardcover format. |
| It features over 300 informative illustrations and intuitive information about various species. | |
| It’s an invaluable research tool for anyone who’s interested in reptiles and amphibians. | |
| The author, Chris Mattison, has an honors degree in zoology and specializes in the natural history of reptiles and amphibians. | |
| Mattison has published at least 20 books on herpetology (the study of amphibians). | |
| It has a 4.9-star rating with no negative reviews. |
- 272 pages.
- An encyclopedia covering many families of reptile and amphibian species.
- Maps for families of turtles, frogs, and salamanders.
3. Best for Students: Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles by Laurie J. Vitt and Janalee P. Caldwell
A 776-page-long textbook, the 4th edition of Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles is a detailed analysis of the ecology, behavior, evolution, and systematic morphology of amphibians and their land cousins, reptiles. Not only is this book meant for naturists, herpetologists, herpetoculturists, and zoo professionals, but it’s also a great intro to herpetology for anyone with absolutely no knowledge of amphibians and reptiles.
With a 4.7-star rating, this book is often used as a research tool for students to write papers and learn more about amphibians. It’s available in eTextbook and hardcover format. This is a great book for someone studying wildlife biology or looking to learn more about amphibians. Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles was co-written by Laurie J. Vitt and Janalee P. Caldwell. Both writers were curators at the Sam Noble Museum and spent several years teaching and publishing in the University of Oklahoma Biology department. Considering they were both actively involved in herpetology research throughout their careers, you can rely on the information in this book to be accurate and well up-to-date.
One reviewer said that the amphibians and reptiles are combined throughout the book, not separated in a logical manner.
Pros and Cons of Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles by Laurie J. Vitt and Janalee P. Caldwell
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 776-page textbook is a detailed analysis of the ecology, behavior, evolution, and systematic morphology of amphibians and reptiles. | One reviewer said that the amphibians and reptiles are combined throughout the book, not separated in a logical manner. |
| Its intended readers are naturists, herpetologists, herpetoculturists, and zoo professionals, but it’s also makes a great intro to herpetology for people with no previous knowledge of these species. | |
| It has a 4.7-star rating. | |
| It’s available in eTextbook and hardcover formats. | |
| Authors Laurie J. Vitt and Janalee P. Caldwell were curators at the Same Noble Museum and spent several years teaching and publishing at the University of Oklahoma Biology department. |
- 776 pages.
- A textbook on herpetology.
- Covers biology of amphibians and reptiles.
4. Best Field Guide: National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America by Catherine H. Howell
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 with 386 spectacular reviews on Amazon, the National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America serves as a unique tool because it is a pocket-sized guide that you can carry around with you everywhere. This guide is full of colorful pictures with short descriptions of several different amphibians. The information is very well organized, and the guide is easy to use. This is a perfect book for those wanting to have a portable index that they can use to spot amphibians and reptiles while out in nature.
Written by a former National Geographic staff member, Catherine Herbert Howell has firsthand information from her field research on amphibians. She has a master’s degree in anthropology, which brings a unique touch to this guide, which is only available in illustrated paperback format.
Several reviewers said that this field guide was “incomplete” compared to Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America.
Pros and Cons of the National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America by Catherine H. Howell
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This pocket-sized guide has a 4.8-star rating and you can carry it with you everywhere. | This guide is only available in illustrated paperback format. |
| It’s packed with colorful pictures with short descriptions of featured reptiles and amphibians. | Several reviewers said that this field guide was “incomplete” compared to Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. |
| The author, Catherine Herbert Howell, is a former National Geographic staff member who has firsthand experience from her field research on amphibians. |
- 176 pages.
- A National Geographic field guide on the amphibians and reptiles of North America.
- Covers 148 species.
5. Best for Kids: Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians by Catherine Hughes
Catherine Hughes perfectly combines informative natural science with enticing children’s stories in her writing. Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians is no exception to this, this guide is similar to the National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America, except explicitly directed to kids. This book is perfect for your curious child interested in amphibians and reptiles. This book uses a Frequently Asked Questions-like format and contains more than 250 stunning full-color photos. Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians will answer all the questions your little one has been pestering you about regarding the frogs in your backyard!
Catherine Hughes is a well-versed woman when it comes to both child psychology and amphibians. She is also a member of the National Geographic Society. In this book, she has brought out her three passions: kids, natural history, and writing. So definitely add this to your wish list when looking for a book for your young ones.
This book has a 4.9-star rating, is geared toward kids ages three to five, and is available in Kindle and hardcover picture book formats. It has no critical reviews.
Pros and Cons of Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians by Catherine Hughes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The author, Catherine Hughes, combines natural science with children’s stories. | None |
| This book is written for kids ages three to five who are interested in amphibians and reptiles. | |
| It uses an FAQ-type format and features more than 250 stunning full-color photos. | |
| Hughes is a member of the National Geographic Society. | |
| The book has a 4.9-star rating. | |
| It’s geared towards kids ages three to five and is available in Kindle and hardcover picture book formats. |
- 128 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
- Part of the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books series.
6. Best for All Age Groups: Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians by Catherine Howell
Another book by the author of National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America, this 4.8-star rated book is for adventurous adults, teenagers, and kids! That right! This field guide is an excellent tool for all age groups on how to go about searching for amphibians and observing them. This field guide will teach you what to observe, how much distance to keep, and how to spot the animal. With several interactive and thought-provoking prompts, this book makes the perfect companion when searching for critters out in the wild, camping, or even having a picnic.
This unique field guide is great for kids aged eight and up, but adults can definitely enjoy the informative guide as well! So, take this little book with you when you venture out to the backyard and get ready to start identifying the frogs, toads, and salamanders you find!
It’s available in library binding and paperback formats. There are no critical reviews for this book.
Pros and Cons of Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians by Catherine Howell
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This field guide is appropriate for everyone eight years old and up! | None |
| It’s an excellent tool for anyone who wants to search for amphibians to observe. | |
| It will teach you what to observe, how much distance to keep, and how to spot the animal. | |
| It features interactive, thought-provoking prompts that make searching for critters even more fun. | |
| It’s available in library binding and paperback formats. |
- 160 pages.
- Recommended for readers ages 8 through 12.
- A fun field guide for children and families to learn about amphibians and reptiles.
7. Best Book to Get Kids Interested: Magnificent Book of Reptiles and Amphibians by Tom Jackson (Author), Mat Edwards (Illustrator)
Magnificent Book of Reptiles and Amphibians is a great intro to reptiles and amphibians for kids aged eight through 12 years old. A relatively short read with just 80 pages, this book is full of catchy illustrations accompanied by a unique facts and taxonomy information on every single page. With a fairytale-like cover, you might believe that this book isn’t as informative as you might’ve wanted. But don’t judge a book by its cover!
Every page comprises four components: a unique illustration of the animal, a bulleted list of facts, and a short chart including information about their location, habitat, and behaviors in a few concise words. With a 4.8-star rating and over 300 reviews on Amazon, this book was extremely well received, like the rest of the Magnificent Book series.
So, grab this book if you wish to inspire your little one to appreciate mother nature and her inhabitants. It’s available in hardcover format and has no negative reviews.
Pros and Cons of Magnificent Book of Reptiles and Amphibians by Tom Jackson (Author), Mat Edwards (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book for kids eight through 12 is a great intro to reptiles and amphibians. | It’s only available in hardcover format. |
| It’s only 80 pages long, but every page is filled with illustrations, unique facts, and taxonomy information. | |
| This book received a 4.8-star rating and no negative reviews. |
- 80 pages.
- Recommended for readers ages 8 through 12.
- An illustrated look at amphibians and reptiles throughout the world.
8. Best for Advanced Learners: Herpetology by F. Harvey Pough and Robin M. Andrews
Last but not least is one of the greatest herpetology books of all time, Herpetology by F. Harvey Pough and Robin M. Andrews. This book is a highly in-depth study guide for amphibian biology. The book highlights all of the characteristics, evolutionary traits, and behaviors of hundreds of different amphibian species. Although a rather long read, this book has a way of keeping you coming back for more. The book best serves as an undergraduate and graduate-level textbook, providing comprehensive information about amphibians. Don’t get me wrong, though, this book can also serve as an advanced guide for someone who knows a bit about amphibians but wants to get serious about learning more. In addition, the authors revise the book every so often to incorporate any new information learned by scientists out in the wild. This current edition is the 4th edition of the book.
F. Harvey Pough is a known expert on herpetology. Having written this book alongside other research-based study guides, you can rest assured you are getting accurate information.
The book, which is available in illustrated hardcover format, received a 4.7-star rating. It has no negative reviews.
Pros and Cons of Herpetology by F. Harvey Pough and Robin M. Andrews
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is an in-depth study guide for amphibian biology. | It’s only available in illustrated hardcover format. |
| It highlights all of the characteristics, evolutionary traits, and behaviors of hundreds of amphibian species. | |
| It’s an excellent undergraduate- and graduate-level textbook, but can also serve as a guide for anyone who wants to learn more about amphibians. | |
| It was written by F. Harvey Pough, a renowned expert on herpetology. | |
| The authors revise this book on occasion and incorporate any new information learned by scientists in the field. |
- 744 pages.
- A textbook on amphibians and reptiles, and why they're grouped under herpetology, despite their differences.
Criteria: What to Look for in Books About Amphibians
Generally speaking, finding a book that sparks your interest, especially about Amphibians, can become a somewhat hefty task. So to make it easier for you, here are some things you should look out for when choosing a book on Amphibians:
- Are you looking for a course textbook or a general guide? The answer to this question will divide your book choice among the ones written in layman’s terms and those written for more advanced reading.
- Do you want a children’s book or one for adults? While the answer might end up being both, there are several amphibian books out there that meet in the middle ground for the two age groups.
- Do you need a pocket guide? If you’re an adventurer looking to spot amphibians, you’d probably want a handy pocket-sized guide to keep in your backpack. So this will narrow down your list considerably.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guides) |
| Best for Visual Learners | Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best for Students | Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles |
| Best Field Guide | National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America |
| Best for Kids | Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) |
| Best for All Age Groups | Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best Book to Get Kids Interested | Magnificent Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (The Magnificent Book of) |
| Best for Advanced Learners | Herpetology |
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