8 Desert-Themed Picture Books

a listicle by Stephanie Jackson

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved reading all the biology-based magazines I could get my hands on, specifically Zoobooks. Now, in addition to having my nonfiction printed in Cricket magazine, I’m proud to be a contributing blogger for STEM Tuesday.com, and what’s my first topic? Deserts! So in a hot minute (this July weather is melting me), I’ll link you to my post there, which highlights a few more books and gets into tips for writing desert-themed ecopoetry.

But first, a list! (Who doesn’t love a book list?!)

• From 2018, I still think about this one. The parallel-structured story Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy (video here), written by Tara Dairman and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan, explores two kids’ journeys through extreme weather. Simple dimeter (rhyme), fragmented sentences, and contrasting illustrations showcase the differences yet similarities in their experiences.
  
• Next up, Saguaro’s Gifts (2021) by writer Kurt Cyrus and artist Andy Atkins. Yes, it’s another rhyming pick. (I can’t help it. Rhyme, when it’s well-done, is irresistible.) And bonus, if you want an entertainingly dramatic read aloud, start at 3:05 of this video.
  
• Ever since I met Jordan Kim through a virtual SCBWI event, I’ve loved her mixed media collage style. For the illustrations alone, check out the 2023 title I Am the Thirsty Desert, written by Darcy Pattison.
  
• Released last month, Desert Song (simultaneously published in Spanish as Canción del Desierto) by Laekan Zea Kemp and illustrated by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández, deserves a read. This lyrically-paced bedtime book is reminiscent of classics including On The Day You Were Born, but set in a Texan desert and richly illustrated with a variety of blues and the occasional tinge of burnt orange.
  
• In a couple weeks, as part of their “How People Live” series, Amicus Ink publishes In the Desert by the veteran nonfiction writer Nancy Dickmann. A image-heavy title all about desert living, it reads similarly to early readers by National Geographic Kids, complete with fast facts, a glossary of terms, and suggested activities to enrich learning.
  
• In my July 16th STEM Tuesday feature on deserts, I do a flyby mention of the September release A Day in the Life of the Desert : 6 Desert Habitats, 108 Species, and How to Save Them by Roxie Munro. It’s a great read for your older nonfiction readers.
  
• Even though I have to wait until November, I’ll also be checking out Why Do Camels Have Such Long Eyelashes? : A Book About Desert Animals by Jack Beard, illustrated by Jayri Gomez. For young readers 4-7, this follows a “Why? Is it because…? No. It’s because…” structure. As nonfiction books go, it’s a fairly light read, perfect for its intended audience.
  
• And lastly, I’ll mention The Very True Legend of Mongolian Death Worms by Sandra Fay. Like a side of humor with your desert myths? This is the book (or video) for you.

Did I miss any of your favorite desert-themed books? Share them in the comments! For more arid reads for avid readers, make sure to check out my STEM Tuesday post, and if you want to, please join my email list.

Best,

Stephanie