The Hellbender

Deep in a cool Appalachian river, two hellbender siblings named Moss and Pebble are convinced they’ve found the BEST rock in the whole river. It has everything: a mud slide, a pebble garden, and the perfect crayfish trap.

So when their parents say it’s time to move downstream, the siblings protest in every dramatic way they can. But as the water warms, the bugs disappear, and silt begins to settle, Moss and Pebble start to notice something important: sometimes animals move first because they can feel changes others can’t.

Through humor, curiosity, and a big “aha” moment, Moss and Pebble discover how one small choice can help an entire ecosystem.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they explore the weird, wrinkly, wonderful world of the hellbender, one of North America’s most surprising underwater creatures.

Kids will discover:

Why hellbenders are sometimes called “snot otters”How these giant salamanders breathe through their skinWhat it means to be a bioindicator Keep exploring:

Download a hellbender coloring sheetFollow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspodShow us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.comSign up for email updatesLearn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted:

Hellbender (The National Zoo) 12 Facts about Hellbender Salamanders (PBS News) Hellbenders: Fantastic Beasts (US Fish & Wildlife Service)