Look Who Lives in the Desert!: Bouncing and Pouncing, Hiding and Gliding, Sleeping and Creeping

Depicts animals and insects of the desert with poetry, humorous illustrations, and panels with facts and photographs.

When I began writing Look Who Lives in the Desert!, I knew I wanted to entertain and educate readers and to share with them my fascination with animals. The desert's wildlife if unique and beautiful, but some species can intimidate people. In an effort to make the desert dwellers less daunting, I opted to create silly characters. After all, it's hard to be afraid of a tarantula when she's wearing a tutu. By viewing a whimsical package along with the facts, young readers may have an easier time relating to the animals and remembering what they've learned.
     The writing syle is my version of wordplay, which is to say the rhyming is for sheer fun -- and to keep readers (and their tongues) alert. My primary concern is sharing information, not necessarily the conventions of poetry.
     Characterizing the animals with illustrations was a delightful experience. I used fabrics and real world textures in my palette and made a point of including little elements for readers of all ages to look for throughout the book.
     I chose to add facts about each animal to help explain the rhyming text, keep you (and the animals safe), and clear up some misconceptions. Plus, I included a few juicy ones not everyone knows (like how vultures stay cool). The facts range from quite simple to a little more complex to offer interesting tidbits for each level of learning. With Marty Cordano's wildlife photos to complete the scientific facet, you might even use the book to settle a debate or two at the dinner table.
     It is my sincere wish that you have a good laugh or at least a chuckle ... and that you learn something. Perhaps you will come to love the desert dwellers as much as I do.  --Brooke Bessesen