I guess people everywhere are getting ready for the holidays under record warm conditions, but here in the Sonoran Desert we are used to warm weather in the winter. In fact, it is a rare treat when it snows in the low desert. Desert Seasons (Wonder Readers: Science) by Layne deMarin is a nonfiction picture book that describes our unusual seasons. 
Layne deMarin packs a lot into this little 20-page book, with a full discussion of how desert seasons are different. There are gorgeous full-color photographs of desert animals and plants for each season. She also suggests age-appropriate activities at the end.
Although it might look to the visitor that seasons never change in the desert, deMarin shows a full understanding of the subtle changes that occur, often out of synch with the calendar. For example, we have a dry summer in May through June and then a wet summer in July and August. In some ways we actually have more seasons than other places.
Desert Seasons is a lovely picture book to introduce young readers to the desert habitat. Teachers will appreciate that it supports national science standards.
See Simply Science for another review.
Growing with Science has related activities about:
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Capstone Press (December 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1429686359
ISBN-13: 978-1429686358
Book was provided for review purposes.
Agaves are common desert plants.
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This sounds like a lovely book to get my granddaughter so she can understand a little more about that crazy place where her Grandma lives! Or maybe for me so I can understand it!
What a great resource for a biome unit! I like the discussion of the subtle changes. It gives a different point of view on seasons.
It would be a great choice. The author does not misstep on a difficult subject.