Salamander King, Book One

This is a story about ten year old Wayne who is befriended by Newton, a rather large red eft phase salamander, who also needs his help because toxic chemicals have been dumped into the pond he calls home. Newton is also having a problem with the town's bullies... that Wayne knows all too well! The book was written by Richard Perkins from Maine, illustrated by twenty year old Anh Bui from California, professionally edited by Melanie Lopata and re-published in March of 2022. What led Richard to writing his first children's book was, &quote;As a small child I fell in love with amphibians and reptiles and was also bullied in school. Those real life experiences are at the heart of this series.&quote; Anh Bui, born and raised in Vietnam, currently lives in Los Angeles, pursuing a career in art. Their successful teamwork has also created, &quote;The Salamander King, Book Two: For All Creatures, Great and Small...&quote;. It is a continuation from Book One where Wayne and his new friend Becky, not only encounter a whole new set of pond related problems to solve, they have to save Marty-Bull the beaver who was shot with an arrow after trying to warn them!