Jim Arnosky turns his keen eye and talented artistry to painting and writing about desert wildlife of the southwestern United States. Arnosky tells readers in the short introduction that the desert, which is so different from the landscape of his northeastern United States home, has held a fascination for him for years. Only recently did he make his first trip, however, and here he captures with both words and watercolors some of the birds, animals and reptiles that survive on this arid land. Arnosky writes with his usual friendly style, sharing memories from his journey and facts about desert wildlife. The detailed paintings are colorful, large and dramatic, giving readers an up-close view of these creatures of the natural world. (Ages 7-10)

The noted naturalist-illustrator invites readers on his first trip to the American Southwest where he encounters Gila monsters, snakes, and lizards as well as more surprising desert dwellers such as deer and hummingbirds. Full-color illustrations.