Tilly the tadpole is a sympathetic character a youngster frustrated by the restrictions of youth and keen to explore further afield. As Tilly grows into a frog, a wider world becomes accessible, but the pond remains home. Told in rhyming couplets, Katie Brents wonderful realisation of Tilly at each stage of development will enable young readers to identify with our hero and understand both the tug of exploration and the security of home. The appeal is in the impact of the illustrations, the identification with Tilly, and the simplicity of the story allied to the familiarity of Tillys aspirations and experiences. A charming childrens picture book, Tilly the Tadpole is suitable for children aged 2 to 6 years old. Writer Tony, who is Katies uncle, is inspired by Roger McGough and Brian Pattens poems. The book started out simply as a poem for children but the reaction from a variety of readers was so positive that the idea of making it into a book was formed, says Tony of his motivation to write Tilly the Tadpole.