I found this gem of a book and souvenir for my friend’s children on our trip to Moab. Way Out in the Desert by T.J. Marsh and Jennifer Ward embodies the desert in a captivating way for all ages. Technically we were in the Great Basin Desert and this book is about the plants and animals found in the Sonoran Desert, but there’s some overlap!

Adults reading to their children, may reminisce about childhood as the tune of the book goes to Over in the Meadow. There’s a mixture of familiar wildlife and more unique such as the javelina. If you don’t know how to pronounce that, have no worries there’s a glossary in the back!

Plus, the illustrations draw you in and come alive from the pages. To add to the book there’s a number hidden on each page, which is fun for children and the young at heart! Nicely done Kenneth J. Spengler.

A month or so after the trip I was in search of a book for a baby shower. I went into a Barnes and Noble and, not counting classics, I could not find a book that called to me. I gave in and ordered a board book version of Way Out in the Desert, which is a bit more durable for little ones. And to be honest, I ordered myself a hardcover copy for myself. Either way, I highly recommend this book!

-Trails