A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

by Virginia Wright-Frierson

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

Genres: Nature, Science, Art, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up before I headed out to the Sonoran Desert, albeit the western sections of it. It's an illustrated non-fiction book about the flora and fauna of the region targeted for young readers. The illustrations are lovely, and it is clear that the author loves and closely observes the world around her. I found the text rather bland, but then again, I'm not the target age group for this one, so it might work better for younger nature explorers. The art alone makes this one worth a look.

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good peek into the life to be found in the desert. Interesting and pretty paintings are spread throughout. 🏜

[Tara Schloetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction children’s picture book is very informational and illustrates a realistic picture of what life in the Sonoran Desert looks like for many different types of plants and animals. Although this is a nonfiction book, it still contains an engaging storyline of an artist’s experience throughout the day while she paints different aspects of the desert. The illustrations are beautifully done and accurately portray plants, animals, seeds, and the landscape of the desert. The book additionally provides side notes throughout that give more information on some of the animals and plants found in the Sonoran Desert, for example, it includes an illustration of a rabbit with the text next to the picture giving a short description: “A black-tailed jackrabbit rests in a shallow hole it has dug in the shade of a mesquite tree.” This additional information enhances the book without overwhelming the reader with a large amount of text for a picture book. This book would be a great asset to a classroom library and would also be helpful when discussing different types of environments around the world, especially if students do not live in a desert area and are not familiar with aspects of this habitat.

[Kathy Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating diary of a day in the Sonoran Desert. Written for young children. I love how it brings the tiny parts of the desert alive. I use this in my second grade homeschool science program, and all of my kids have been undeniably drawn to it.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book for kids about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Since my family currently lives in the Sonoran Desert, but plans to move away soon, it seemed especially important to add some readings about our current home to our homeschool curriculum . . .

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful accurate watercolors of the Sonoran Desert, along with the observations of someone who sits still long enough to see the desert creatures.

[Sarah Fitzsimmons]

A Desert Scrapbook is a fun little book that showcases the wonders of the desert and talks about the inhabitants that live there.
I thought this book was really great. It has some awesome illustrations that make the book come to life. It really caught and held my attention all the way through to the end.
I really want to have this book in my classroom. It would come in handy when we talk about the different climates of the world.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

These sketches of Sonoran desert plants and animals by artist Virginia Wright-Frierson are very appealing.