Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday!

One of the first bloggers I connected with many years ago was already a published author. Her blog, Non-Toxic Kids, was near and dear to my heart. So when I discovered she had a picture book debut earlier this year, I knew I wanted to feature it here. And author Katy has graciously agreed to host a giveaway – she has several books and I’m not sure which one she will send the winner – don’t you love surprises!!!!

SALAMANDER SKY

Written by Katy Farber

Illustrated by Meg Sodano

Published by Green Writers Press (2018)

Ages:

Themes:

Synopsis: From Amazon:

Every spring in the eastern region of the United States, warmer nights with steady rain bring the migration of thousands of spotted salamanders to ponds and pools, often across busy roads. These crossings are magical, and secretive–most people don’t even know they happen. Salamander Sky features a mother and daughter who go out on a rainy night to help the salamanders cross the road safely. This dramatic, full-color, picture book introduces readers to the elusive spotted salamanders and the perilous nighttime journey they take each spring. Amphibians worldwide desperately need protection. This book is a valuable tool for getting children engaged in conservation.

Salamander Sky:

• targets many of the Next Generation Science Standards for elementary school students, including life cycles, wetland habitats, diversity, adaptations and human impact
• communicates a strong conservation message
• geared toward preschool through elementary school aged students
• models firsthand exploration and investigation in nature
• addresses human impact on the environment and encourages active participation in solutions
• provides a resource for science teachers, environmental educators and parents to introduce inquiry to students
• inspires engagement and curiosity
• focuses on a vulnerable and often unnoticed species of amphibians that inhabits much of the Eastern United States
• embraces diversity and promotes women in science

Why I like this book:

• All of the above reasons!
• Beautifully illustrated
• Engaging text
• We’ve only got one planet and I think this is a book that will encourage kids to care more about it and work towards preserving it.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Photo courtesy: https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/reptile-and-amphibian-anatomy-lesson-plan/

Here is a great lesson plan for grades 3-5. However younger kids can enjoy drawing and coloring the salamader on a piece of construction paper: https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/reptile-and-amphibian-anatomy-lesson-plan/

Thank you, my friends, for stopping by and spending your precious time with me. It means the world. And it means the world to our author friends when we buy their books, post reviews, tell friends, and ask libraries to add the book to their collection.

Please come back tomorrow for a chock full Will Write for Cookies post when Katy Farber chats with us and shares something VERY yummy!