Little Newts

Discusses the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of newts.

Why are salamanders so slimy? These amphibians need to stay moist so they can breathe through their skin! If their skin ever dried out, the salamander would stop breathing and die. Slime helps salamanders survive in other ways, too. It keeps them safe from hungry enemies. The slime on a salamander's skin tastes bad and is often poisonous. Some people may think their slimy coating is gross, but it has helped salamanders survive on Earth since the time of the dinosaurs! In Slimy Salamanders, large color photos and fascinating facts will captivate readers as they discover what these water-loving creatures eat, how they stay safe, and the tremendous transformations that take place as these amphibians grow from tiny eggs to full-fledged adults.

Imagine a thriving garden in your backyard, bursting with vibrantly colored blooms and lush green leaves, shaded by tall trees. Now imagine the same garden, alive with buzzing and flapping and chirping and croaking. Imagine the ecological impact of encouraging natural pollinators. Imagine the excitement of watching your garden become a hub of activity and learning about all of its different visitors. For those who relish observing nature in action, planning a garden to attract certain types of wildlife can bring daily enjoyment right into the backyard.Inside Wildlife in Your Garden:How to deal with and even appreciate the insects in your gardenReptile and amphibian backyard visitors and how they can contribute to a healthy ecosystem"Birdscaping";planning and planting with birds in mindA special section on hummingbirds that includes an illustrated guide to twelve common typesUsing binoculars and field guides to identify birds by sight and by callsDifferent types of pollination and the plants and food crops that depend on itButterfly metamorphosis and gardening for the different life stagesHow bats and moths take over pollination duties at nightLearning to coexist with four-legged furry friends who like to dig and forageNatural ways to protect your garden from pests and discourage harmful wildlife

Colin the Crab has many special friends at his home in the river bay. It's hard to imagine anyone more beautiful than Sally the Starfish or more successful than Eddie the Eel. Ms. Catfish’s antiques are very impressive, and the big newt family is always busy and full of energy. Just as Colin starts to wonder if his own life is a bit too ordinary, a tidal wave tosses Priscilla the Pearl Oyster into his backyard. Colin’s new friend has something very valuable—something that many others want, including the deceitful Larry the Lobster.