Discover How Differences Can Lead to Happiness – and Friendship – in Elaine Vanderberg’s Children’s Book “Sammie The Sad Salamander”

Where is happiness? Where can one find happiness? Children will find the answers to these questions and more after reading the illustrated storybook “Sammie The Sad Salamander” (2022; ReadersMagnet) by Elaine Vanderberg.

“Sammie The Sad Salamander” tells the story of the titular character who lives in a beautiful jungle. Sammie is unhappy because all the other salamanders, even his brothers and sisters, ignore him. He is never invited to any parties because he is different and does not fit in. He feels alone.

His life changes one day when he goes to his favorite place, a hidden pond, where he likes to play in the water. He discovers he is never alone.

“Sammie The Sad Salamander” aims to impart to children the importance of accepting one’s differences and the theme of friendship (and, to some extent, tolerance and respect). This thoughtful children’s book offers a simple and clear explanation of how differences in physical appearances never matter.

Also, in some ways, the book demonstrates the need for one to come out of their comfort zone to make friends – or to learn they are never alone. Each of the characters in this captivating children’s picture book has a physical handicap, which draws negative attention from family and others.

“Sammie The Sad Salamander” affirms that physical appearances are unimportant. They neither hinder friendship nor stand in the way of happiness. Happiness, according to the author, is found in meeting others who accept their handicap, finding friends, living a full and happy life, and not hiding because of “something wrong.” The inner character of the individual is what matters.

Purchase a copy of “Sammie The Sad Salamander” by Elaine Vanderberg on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ReadersMagnet Bookstore.

“Sammie The Sad Salamander”
Author | Elaine Vanderberg
Genre | Children’s Book
Publisher | ReadersMagnet
Published date | July 19, 2022

Author Bio

Elaine has always enjoyed reading books but never imagined writing one. The first, “Chloe, the Left-Behind Angel,” came from a story she made up when her 6-year-old granddaughter asked her to tell a story. Years later, she wrote it down, but more stories came to mind. So now she has four children’s books with the same theme: believing in oneself, having good friends, and not giving up. People live in a wonderful world and all should contribute to making it safe and beautiful.

Contact Information

Yani Lynn

Author Relations Officer

ReadersMagnet LLC

authorrelations@readersmagnet.com