Great Books for Children

“You might walk right by a vernal pool and not notice it. Often mistaken for mere puddles in the woods, vernal pools are the source of life for many interesting creatures.

If you look carefully, you can find them and be amazed!”

“Discover the magic of vernal pools—wetlands that fill with water in the spring and dry up in the summer—by following the annual life cycle of spotted salamanders. From shimmering eggs and wriggling larvae to metamorphosis and hibernation, these ephemeral wetlands are alive year-round, but nothing compares to their spectacular springtime Salamander Dance!”

“Evan can hardly wait for “Big Night,” the first warm rainy night of spring when spotted salamanders crawl out of the woods and down to a vernal pool, where they mate and lay their eggs.

Evan and his parents know the salamanders need their help, for a road interrupts the salamanders’ path to the vernal pool.”

“Strikingly original watercolors depict each creature’s world from its unique perspective. Simple text describes the creatures’ movements and activities.”

“Strikingly original watercolors depict each creature’s world from its unique perspective. Simple text describes the creatures’ movements and activities.”

“This dramatic, full-color, picture book introduces readers to the elusive spotted salamanders and the perilous nighttime journeythey take each spring. Amphibians worldwide desperately need protection. This book is a valuable tool for getting children engaged in conservation.”

“One cold, rainy, spring night, a young girl and her scientist father participate in Salamander Night to follow hundreds of spotted salamanders as they venture into a vernal pool to mate and lay eggs. Together, the father-child team studies the salamanders through their complete amphibian metamorphosis, culminating in the adult salamanders’ disappearance into the woods in late summer.”

“A story about a salamander, his friends, a fragile pond and… bullies!”

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