Hoot and Howl Across the Desert: Life in the World’s Driest Deserts

Gr 2-4–Visit some of the world’s deserts in this edifying global tour. Twenty-seven sections, featuring ample facts, provide information emphasizing the diverse plant life and wildlife native to each desert. The text passages feel monotonous until interrupted by fascinating asides, such as how sand dunes are shaped by the wind and how a camel’s physical attributes enhance its abilities to handle its harsh surroundings. The names of specific plants, insects, and animals appear in boldface within the text; pronunciation guides for the lesser-known ones would have been helpful. Unfortunately, in a couple of places, black font printed on a dark blue background is difficult to read. A glossary and an index are appended but offer limited coverage. Tzomaka’s glowing illustrations are rich with geometric shapes, vivid colors, floral designs, and intricate patterns. The eye-popping artwork draws from Aboriginal, African, Asian, Inuit, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Native American folk art.