Synopsis
Have you seen a saguaro cactus? It looks so lonely, standing in the dry, dry desert. But actually the saguaro is a haven for a whole community of creatures - some cute, some creepy, all of them fascinating! The renowned educator-author uses an entertaining, repetitive rhyme that culminates in successful learning. Includes field notes and resources.
Renee Englot - Children's Literature
A young boy looks at a cactus in the desert, and assuming that nothing else could live on this arid ground he walks away and misses the community of animals that live in and around the cactus and come out at night. This picture book would be a great addition to a science program. It is appropriate for a study of ecosystems in general, a general study of animal adaptations, or a study of desert animals in particular. The book is also a treat for pleasure reading. The text is written in rhyming verse and the repetition builds with the arrival of each new animal at the cactus "a haven for creatures in a waterless land." The text is lyrical and reads aloud beautifully. The illustrations are also appealing-accurate and detailed. Also included is a letter to the reader, field notes and fantastic facts for each animal featured, suggestions for further reading and organizations to contact. Fredericks has also written Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and other Ughs and In One Tidepool: Crabs, Snails and Salty Tales. 2003, Dawn, Ages 5 to 10.