Delving into a seemingly dry and barren ecosystem, this fun-filled activity book closely examines the desert landscape and shows how many exciting discoveries it holds. Exploring native plants and animals and depicting the extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and vast distances in detail, this lively reference describes lost civilizations as well as today's desert-dwelling cultures. "Try This” science and history activities are also included-from creating mirages and fashioning an Anasazi clay bowl to growing salt crystals and even assembling a cactus dish terrarium. Demonstrating why adventurers have always been drawn to the world's deserts, this entertaining overview also provides education on the environment, examining how the health of the planet depends on the careful treatment of the desert's many resources.

Kathy Ceceri is About.com's Homeschooling Expert and a fan of art mixed with science. Her books include Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future, named "Best of the Best" by the Chicago Public Library, and Geek Mom: Projects, Tips, and Adventures for Moms and Their 21st-Century Families. She lives in Upstate New York.

Sam Carbaugh is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He has worked with many colleges and companies to create informational comics and illustrations. He enjoys working for Nomad Press and likes to think of all the cool things kids are learning with the books he has helped illustrate. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI