Desert Jungle

Praise

Textured collages encourage appreciation for the Sonoran Desert in Baker’s marvelous book. . . Cacti glochids nearly prick from the pages as standout three-dimensional art communicates both the dry scratchiness of the environment and its quiet biodiversity, vividly capturing a frequently misunderstood place.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Profoundly stirring. . . . Rich in sights and insights alike.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Baker’s most recent work touts why it is important to be aware of, and be an advocate for, the environment in one’s surroundings. . . . Known for her masterful collage illustrations which utilize textures from the actual materials portrayed (such as bark, cracked paint, and earth) the artist’s depiction of the desert captures the beauty of carbon cacti and elephant trees mixed with curios and other desert plants. . . Teachers and librarians will find this book to be the perfect resource for introducing a unit on the importance of outdoor education.
—School Library Connection (starred review)

[Baker’s] signature three-dimensional collage illustrations, with their rich colors and textures, bring the desert habitat to life. Vines climb up the pages, snakes seem to slither atop the sand, and cacti look as if they could poke you if you carelessly touch a page.
—The Horn Book