Discover the Desert

March 1, 2010
Gr 4-7-Chock-full of definitions and facts, this exploration of deserts provides a lot of information about their location, formation, and characteristics. In addition to identifying how some plants and animals adapt to the harsh environment, Ceceri notes famous explorers and civilizations connected with deserts. Most of the book is organized around survival tips related to clothing, shelter, modes of travel, and water resources. Among the many hands-on activities are instructions on how to plant a cactus-dish garden, desalinate water, and make a sand-design bottle. Produced to promote conservation of resources, the book includes illustrations and backgrounds in various shades of brown and gray, a logical choice for the subject. However, the dense text and monochromatic drawings and diagrams may discourage some readers. Those who peruse even some sections, though, can come away with topics they want to investigate in more depth by consulting additional sources, including the many books and Web sites noted at the end."Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2010
Grades 4-6 This large-format book introduces deserts and helps readers imagine traveling through different types, observing their features, and coping with the challenges they present. The breadth of coverage doesnt allow for much depth, but the information presented is often interesting to read. Organized topically rather than geographically, the primary text is logically organized. The layout is a bit busy, with long sidebars presenting subjects such as Famous Desert Travelers, short ones offering definitions or factoids, and several small pictures appearing on most double-page spreads. Tinted with colors in the brown-ocher-tan range, the many drawings include illustrations of desert terrain, cartoon-like figures of kids, and pictures showing steps in the 20 suggested projects. These relatively simple, hands-on activities will be useful to teachers and parents looking for ways to engage children with the subject. Other books in the Discover Your World series include Discover the Oceans (2009), Discover National Monuments (2009), and Discover the Amazon (2008).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)