Newton author writes about salamander ritual

By Cindy Cantrell, Globe Columnist

Because her childhood home in Detroit didn’t have a television until she was 11 years old, Sarah Lamstein grew up with an especially deep love and respect for books. Every week, she would go to the library and return home with a stack that she’d replace the following trip.

‘‘I loved books,’’ she said, ‘‘and not just the contents, but the physical book: the smell, the feel.’’

Lamstein wrote frequently as a youngster, mostly about her family. After working as a puppeteer and school librarian at Milton Academy, she said she finally ‘‘gave myself permission’’ to pursue a career as a writer.

Lamstein has now written six books, most recently ‘‘Big Night for Salamanders,’’ with art by Carol Benioff. The story is about a boy and his participation in the natural phenomenon that occurs in early spring when spotted salamanders travel to vernal pools to mate and lay eggs. Because migrating salamanders must occasionally cross roads to reach a vernal pool, people often come out on ‘‘Big Night’’ to keep them safe.

In Lamstein’s adopted hometown of Newton, for example, she said that seven vernal pools have been certified by the local Conservation Commission.

‘‘When I saw Big Night for myself, the thing that struck me the most was the fragility of the spotted salamanders and the excitement that kids have in helping these little creatures stay alive,’’ Lamstein said. ‘‘My main hope is that through the book, children develop empathy for creatures and nature in general, as well as respect for the preservation of wild places.’’

For more information, go to sarahlamstein.com.

People items may be submitted to Cindy Cantrell at cantrell@globe.com.