Continuing their exploration of the animal kingdom, this author/illustrator team presents a breathtaking introduction to amphibians. Each brief line of text sits boldly on a large white page to be extended and accompanied on the next by a full-color painting of an amphibian and its habitat. For example, "Amphibians have soft moist skins." The accompanying painting shows the red-and-black-dappled reclining Red Salamander. The slick and shiny moist red skin of the amphibian contrasts vividly with the fuzzy green moss. Amphibian portraits are suitable for display and invite careful repeated looking. The text captures the essential characteristics of amphibians with admirable brevity. Unfortunately, only common names are given for species and there is no information on size or range. The author concludes with additional information on each of the paintings, describing more about the particular amphibian illustrated. This is a very fine easy-reading introduction to amphibians that will be savored by young viewers and teachers. No index. (Nonfiction. 5-8)
