Inspired by the true story of three West Vancouver students who discover a rare species of tailed frog, Leaps & Bounds shows that anyone, no matter what their age, can make a difference if they believe in a cause.

After failing a group science report, Becky, Marshell and Rex are forced to make a second attempt at their project.  The ravine by Becky’s house becomes the focus of their new habitat study.  Rex, the laziest group member whose only concern is his hockey career, stumbles upon a frog, which the brainy Marshell recognises as an endangered species. The three students take the frog and make a home for it in Rex’s locker, before Marshall insists that it must be returned to the wild. 

When they go to return the frog, exploration of the ravine uncovers the signs of a construction company.  Further investigation reveals that the company is in the midst of developing the site, and subsequently will destroy the frogs’ habitat.  Becky, Marshell and Rex take it upon themselves to try to save the frogs.  After a fruitless meeting with Becky’s aunt, who works for the developers, Marshell goes to the press with the story.  Newspaper articles and petitions follow, and finally Marshell overcomes his fear of public speaking and Rex sacrifices an important hockey game to present their case to a council meeting.  They have success and are able to save the habitat of the frogs.

Winner, Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences, 1999

Recommended Audience: For Children

Themes

• Environment
• Speaking Up