Some readers might assume that particular, highly pessimistic generalizations in Young's poems are actually Mark Young presenting his sense of doom. The little ditty "democracy" registers the claim that "no-one// knows the/ words to" the "song" (the concept of democracy) even though "every-/ one sings" it, and "since violence is learned" tells us that "tolerance is no/ longer available, is replaced by trauma." Although nothing in the poems-not even such affirmations of aesthetic transport as "Constant Craving," which speaks of music "that acts as/ axis to steady everything around"-makes one identify the poet as a bright-eyed optimist, various moments in the work display too much respect for the complexity of cause and effect, limitations of human perception, the transience of trends, and sudden appearances of the unexpected to place sustained credence in large generalizations and foregone conclusions. from the Introduction by Thomas Fink

A boy finds a salamander in the woods and imagines the many things he can do to turn his room into a perfect salamander home. Together, Anne Mazer and Steve Johnson have created a woodland paradise that any salamander would love to share with a child.

"Introduces the reader to a wealth of extraordinary life forms"-- P. [4] of cover.

When a storm washes Solomon downstream, he meets some seemingly friendly animals and learns from them and the Book of Proverbs how to be a true friend.

Follow the annual life cycle of spotted salamanders.

Siren Salamander isn't afraid of the water. Unlike most salamanders, he has gills to help him breathe. Discover the characteristics of salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians in this fun song paired with beautiful illustrations. This hardcover book comes with CD and online music access.