• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

Based on a true story, this thrilling picture book for kids 4-8 captures the incredible science of animal senses, and the surprising ways they can help us.

The first book in an educational and fun series about the “sixth sense” of animals!

It’s Salvatore’s first time herding the goats in his home, located at the foot of the still very active volcano, Mount Etna. With instructions from his papa that he must not let the goats boss him around, Salvatore is determined to do a good job and make sure they follow his command.

But today something seems wrong. The goats become restless, and run away, which they have never done before. Do the goats sense something that Salvatore doesn’t? As he soon discovers, their special “sixth sense” may just save the day.

Salvatore and the Goats of Mount Etna features:

• Incredible science about animals’ “sixth sense,” including how they can detect natural disasters before they happen, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
• Backmatter on ICARUS, the project currently studying animal senses, and its incredibly discoveries about animal behavior.

This awe-inspiring picture book will inspire readers to think differently about animal intelligence, and better trust the animals in their own lives.

Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute

Uschi Müller's profile page

BRITTANY LANE is a children's book illustrator and fine artist currently based in Stouffville, Ontario. She worked as a wildlife biologist for a decade, before turning to visual storytelling as a way to share her passion for and understanding of nature and wildlife with others. Rock? Plant? Animal? is her first children’s book. 

Brittany Lane's profile page

“Fascinating …. an intriguing, fluid story 'inspired by true-life events' to illustrate ... how 'animals perceive upcoming catastrophes earlier than humans.' …. a pertinent, kid-friendly introduction to the ICARUS project.”
—Shelf Awareness

“A well-constructed story…Lane, a former wildlife biologist[’s] art reflects her love for the natural world…. Engaging."
—Booklist