Desert Jungle

K-Gr 3–The book cover demands attention with gorgeous collage art of the desert valley landscape. A boy lives in a tiny village in the desert valley and tends to stay home, fixated on his tablet and laptop. The distant howls of coyotes unsettle him and the desert wilderness does not stir curiosity. One day, his grandpa tries to take him out exploring but the boy chooses his gadgets. Only when his bag with his tablet is missing does the boy go off on a treacherous search. As he wanders he soon realizes he is lost! He notices sounds and senses “unseen eyes watching me” and starts to panic. When he calms down he sees the mountains behind his grandpa’s ranch and finds his way back, sobbing, “This place scares me. It’s a desert jungle.” His grandpa guides the boy as they walk and observe the majestic beauty. Through mesmerizing collage textures, the valley’s biodiversity comes alive with stunning renderings of plants like ocotillo, cholla, and fishhook. Grandpa’s gentle teaching sums up the message of the book: “Open your heart, listen, and see what wonders show themselves.”