DESERTS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1990. DESERTS. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 0-688-07416-2.

2. SUMMARY
In his short, informative book about deserts, Seymour Simon goes beyond the basics and presents a beautifully designed, engagingly illustrated book about deserts. The book tells how deserts are formed, what constitutes a desert and what kind of animal and plant life is found in deserts. The book invites readers into the world of deserts, giving a guided tour of what daily life looks and feels like in one of the hottest places on Earth.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is highly entertaining and highly informative. The beautiful front cover photograph encourages readers to try the book and once inside they are captivated by more brilliant photography and simple to read text that accentuates quirky facts about deserts. The first such fact that got my attention was the mention of “polar deserts.” Basic facts about deserts are weaved throughout the text and any reader will finish this book with a clear understanding of deserts. Maps of the world's deserts and a map of the location and names of all North American deserts provide an anchoring reference aide. The organization is logical and coherent as Simon goes from broad to specific-first describing all deserts then each North American desert in succession. Although the text is simple, it does not condescend so everyone from third graders to adults will find enjoyment from this book. A must have for any school library.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen color photographs that go beyond decoration.
Horn Book Guide-An eye-catching learning experience

5. CONNECTIONS
An obvious entry to a study about deserts
Other books about desert life include:
Bash, Barbara. DESERT GIANT. ISBN 1578050855
Wallace, Maryann. AMERICA’S DESERTS: GUIDE TO PLANTS AND ANIMALS
ISBN 1555912680