Salamander Song

Children play in the park as autumn leaves fall all around them. Under the ground, a salamander is in its subterranean home. Winter comes, and snow covers the park where children play. The salamander spends the winter sleeping. Sleet ratta tat tats. Spring is on the way. Salamander begins to wake up. Spring flowers bloom. Rains fill the pond, and Salamander comes out of his hidey-hole. The children learn that salamanders need to move from their winter homes to the safety of ponds and pools. This can be a dangerous journey for the tiny animals, so people everywhere, young and old, set up safer crossings for them, warning drivers to slow down and give the animals a chance to reach their breeding grounds.

Author Ginny Neil uses a lot of poetic devices — rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and more — to tell this important story to youngsters who can help small animals that have dangerous spring journeys. Beautiful illustrations by Charli Vince fully support the spare text. The illustrations are filled with delightful details that will keep young listeners fully engaged. The combination of a charming text and lovely illustrations makes for a winning picture book.