Hidden Life of the Desert

The Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest is a wonderland of the strange and fascinating. At first glance the hot valley floors and rugged mountainsides may seem barren and inhospitable, but look closely and you may find howling mice and toads that pop out of the sand. With patience you’ll see giant centipedes, bobcats, and miniature owls. You could even catch a glimpse of a Gila monster, the only poisonous lizard in the United States. In Hidden Life of the Desert, author and nature photographer Thomas Wiewandt introduces young readers to many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Following this unique ecosystem through its five seasons—spring, dry summer, wet summer, autumn, and winter—Hidden Life of the Desert uses stunning color photographs and clear, informative text to explore how life can thrive in a seemingly barren land.