Includes bibliographical references (page 31) and index.

Deserts formed millions of years ago -- Rock and sand cover desert floors -- Deserts are found all around the world -- Animals burrow in cool places -- Beetles make their home in cacti -- Birds soar through the sky -- Plants become inactive during the dry season -- Little rain falls in the desert -- Joshua trees cover the Mojave Desert -- The Sahara Desert is the largest on earth -- Climate change affects desert ecosystems -- Saving the world's deserts -- Food chain -- Glossary.

Offers 12 fascinating facts about these sandy, stony landscapes. From the Mojave to the Sahara and everything in between, full-color spreads highlight the key features of these dry regions that cover a quarter of Earth s surface.

750L Lexile

Grade 4 to 6.