A welcoming, laugh-out-loud, conservation-minded guide to California’s salamanders and frogs.

Frisky frogs and secretive salamanders: For these marvelous creatures, California is one massive wild water park. With California Amphibians and How to Find Them, expert herpetologist Emily Taylor presents an accessible guide to the part-water, part-land denizens of the Golden State. From Wandering Salamanders who glide between the tops of towering redwood trees, to Red-spotted Toads who drink water through their lower bellies, to Pacific Chorus Frogs who throw rowdy all-night parties, this book puts the curious lives of amphibians on full display.

Profiling over 50 native and introduced species, Taylor gives practical guidance for finding, watching, and responsibly catching amphibians. She shares hilarious descriptions of frog and salamander behavior, and she draws attention to amphibians’ keen vulnerability in the face of environmental destruction, offering advice for how people can help protect them. Featuring over 125 full-color photographs and a pocket-size design for everyday use, this guide is for anyone who wants to know more about amphibians’ wondrous and watery world.