The Secret Pool: 0 (Tilbury House Nature Book) - Tapa dura

"It reads with the delight and dangers of a fairy tale, but it's grounded in science." -- Holly Meade, illustrator of the Caldecott Honor winning Hush! A Thai Lullaby and other books "Book Jacket"

"The Secret Pool is enchanting! I encourage parents, grandparents, and friends of children everywhere to read the book with a young one and then open the door to see if you can find a vernal pool." -- Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Children & Nature Network "Book Jacket"

"With poetic text and informative sidebars, this beautiful book delightfully captures the drama and mystery of vernal pools. Dive in and get lost in this magical world." -- Joyce Sidman, Newbery Honor winning children's author and winner of the 2013 NCTE Award for Excellen "Book Jacket"

This surprisingly engaging look at a habitat not often covered in science curricula and popular nonfiction series strikes a harmonious balance of conversational language, factual text and informative illustrations. -- Kirkus "Kirkus Starred Review"

Often mistaken for mere puddles in the woods, vernal pools are the source of life for many interesting creatures. If you look carefully, you can find them and be amazed! These secret pools form every year when low places on the forest floor fill up with rain and melted snow. They soon become home to hatching wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp. Even in late summer and fall, when many vernal pools have shrunk to mud holes, creatures such as turtles and snakes rely on them for shelter and food. The Secret Pool introduces young readers to the wonders right underfoot as the voice of a vernal pool shares its secrets through the seasons, and sidebars provide fun facts on its inhabitants and the crucial role these small, often overlooked wetlands play in maintaining a healthy environment.