Description
A classroom favorite that provides a simple first look at a very dry habitat that’s surprisingly diverse!
This beginner’s guide to deserts explores the major attributes of the habitat and showcases its striking beauty and remarkable global diversity. For example, did you know that the Great Basin Desert is actually very cold?
The author, a former teacher, uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what deserts are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how certain species have adapted to the unique challenges of surviving in this harsh environment.
Noted wildlife illustrator John Sill uses detailed, full-color illustrations to reflect the diversity of desert topography―from the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert to the rocky Chihuahuan Desert in the southwestern U.S. A glossary and afterword provide further details.
Perfect for early childhood or elementary units on geography and habitats, nature, and environment.
Reviews
“A great choice for beginning readers and for sharing aloud, this elegant blend of clearly presented facts and starkly beautiful paintings makes an informative introduction to a harsh environment and the adaptations made by the plants and animals that live there.” ―School Library Journal
“This handsome book introduces deserts…some of the paintings focus on particular plants or animals, while others show broad landscapes, but all are well composed, delicately colored, and sensitively lit…accessible to very young children as well as older students, this provides an appealing introduction to deserts.” ―Booklist
Awards
Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2007
More Details
AR Level: 2.8
F&P: GRL J, Gr 1, Genre I
Themes: Deserts Animals, Deserts Characteristics, Deserts Geography, Deserts Plant Life
BISAC 1: JNF051100 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Environmental Science & Ecosystems
BISAC 2: JNF051180 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Earth Sciences / Geography
BISAC 3: JNF037030 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Flowers & Plants