Salamanders

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-This slight offering opens with a description of some characteristics common to all salamanders, and then goes on to survey the wide range of species, their habitats, defense mechanisms, diet, and the birth of young. A clear, full-color photo appears on each page with a caption set on a green border. Very little is said about anatomy, and while senses in general are mentioned, the text discusses only sight and a couple of related adaptations. Information on mating behavior and regeneration of body parts, an ability for which these amphibians are famous, is omitted. The text is sometimes unclear. In its description of a particular defense mechanism, it states that ``Brightly colored species can kill an enemy with their bad taste!'' Readers will have to consult other books to find out how various species secrete toxins from glands in the skin, and their degrees of toxicity. Ginny Johnston and Judy Cutchins's Slippery Babies (Morrow, 1991) gives a more thorough explanation of amphibians' general characteristics and the reproduction of salamanders, focusing on the spotted salamander and the red-spotted newt, not included in this title. A limited introduction that's unlikely to satisfy most readers.-Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library