Salamanders

Children's Literature - Gisela Jernigan

Bright, clear watercolors and a simple but informative text combine in this nonfiction picture book to introduce young readers to a great variety of salamander and newts. Found in ponds, streams and other wet places around the world, these amphibians can range in size from a few inches to the five feet long Giant Salamanders of China and Japan. Their colors, markings, limb size and diets can also vary; the Lesser Siren even makes a faint yelping noise when captured. A glossary is included.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Similar in format to this author/illustrator team's Dragonfly (1993) and Eagles (1994, both Holiday), Salamanders offers an overview of these age-old amphibians. Introductory pages show a spring woodland scene with the creatures emerging to seek areas to mate and lay eggs. The well-organized text concentrates on species found in North America and their behaviors, and describes how they develop differently from other amphibians, such as frogs and toads. Facts about camouflage, distinct coloration, and regeneration add interest, and concluding statements point out the necessity of a balanced environment for the animals' continued survival. Framed watercolor paintings, done in more muted tones than the previous presentations, reflect natural coloration of salamanders and their respective habitats. The depiction of one type of salamander per page, clearly labeled and captioned, keeps readers focused on specific information. The large print, simple but informative narrative, and appealing illustrations will attract both browsers and report writers. This title will serve as an introduction to books such as Cherie Winner's Salamanders (Carolrhoda, 1993) and Ginny Johnston and Judy Cutchins's Slippery Babies (Morrow, 1991), both of which have photos. Young nature enthusiasts will be pleased to find it on library shelves.-Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ

Kay Weisman

Bernhard introduces an order of amphibians that spend part of their lives in water and part on land. Beginning with general comments applying to the entire group, the author explains habitats, respiration, life cycles, food-gathering techniques, and defense mechanisms. He also describes individual species of the major families of salamanders found in North America, including mole salamanders, newts, giant salamanders, sirens, lungless salamanders, mud puppies, and water dogs. A final section covers their importance in the ecosystem, their uncertain future, and related myths and legends. Appealing, full-color artwork appears on every page, clarifying and extending the text. Each species is portrayed in its natural habitat and clearly identified. An excellent addition to primary science units, this will be popular with browsers and useful for reports.