BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Simon, Seymour. 1990. Deserts. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN: 9780688074159

PLOT SUMMARY:

Seymour Simon introduces us to the four largest deserts in North America with factual information. He explains how different deserts can be from each other. Some, never having any rain, others receive rain a dozen times a year. Some have cactus and shrubs while others have no growth but do have dramatic rock formations.

He explains how sudden rainstorms combined with brutal winds shape the formation of deserts. Flash floods create gullies and eventually once all the rain has evaporated, leaves dry lakebeds. Seymour describes how sand is created from the erosion of the rocks in the desert. Also touched on is how plant life and small desert animals survive in these harsh conditions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Geared towards children ages 5-8 this 40-page book describing deserts is fact filled and is accompanied by stunning color photographs of the four major deserts in North America. Also included are line drawings illustrating the elevation of land and annual rainfall to help explain the effects of rain in the desert.

Most surprising are some of the photographs of the lush plant life that exists in some deserts with green desert grass and blooming flowers.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

Horn Book: “An eye-catching learning experience.”

School Library Journal: “Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen color photographs that go beyond decoration.”

CONNECTIONS:

• Other children’s books by Seymour Simon that are about earth science:

Simon, Seymour. Mountains. ISBN: 9780688154776

Simon, Seymour. Icebergs and Glaciers. ISBN: 9780688167059

Simon, Seymour. Volcanoes. ISBN: 9780060877170