I Became A Frog

Original Title
变成了⻘蛙

Text & Illustrations by
Matsuoka Tatsuhide

Original Language
Japanese

Genre
Picture Book

Pages
40

Size
21.5 × 21.5 cm

Age
3+

Published
Beijing Poplar
May 2024

Sold
Complex Chinese

On a sunny holiday, Xiao Fen puts on her frog costume and hops out to play. But soon, she meets a tiny frog in trouble—its tadpoles are in danger! Predators like diving beetles and crayfish are gobbling them up in the nearby pond. How can Xiao Fen help? With the other animals from the pond, they build the coolest underwater apartment for the tadpoles. 

Inspired by a real-life encounter during his visit to China, acclaimed Japanese science picture book author Matsuoka Tatsuhide brings this fun, heartwarming, and educational story to life. Join Xiao Fen on her frog-tastic adventure—it’s a day full of creativity, teamwork, and discovery!

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About the author/illustrator

Matsuoka Tatsuhide​
Born in 1944 in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Matsuoka developed a childhood passion for insects that earned him the nickname “Insect Boy.” He would spend countless hours observing and collecting insects at all times of day. At age 24, he published his first nature-themed picture book, marking the beginning of his lifelong journey studying insects worldwide for artistic inspiration. This passion blossomed into an extraordinary career dedicated to insect observation and picture book creation.

Over decades, Matsuoka has produced numerous acclaimed science picture books:
• The Wonderful World of Nature – Received Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Children’s Culture Award
• Tropical Adventure Illustrated Guide – Honored with Japan Picture Book Award
• Primeval Forest – Won both Children’s Culture Award and Science Book Award

His bestselling board book Jump! has delighted young readers across multiple countries including China. Other Chinese editions include:

• Board books: Wow!, Whose Voice?, Let’s Be Friends!
• Science picture books: Dr. Mole’s Earthquake Adventure, First Insect-Hunting Adventure with Rain Frog Dad, Rain Frog Teacher’s Fun Nature Lessons

Now 80 years young, Matsuoka continues creating with childlike wonder. This book represents his first original work published in China, featuring protagonist Xiao Fen – inspired by a girl he met during his China lecture tour.