Often thought of as barren wastelands devoid of life, deserts are actually flourishing ecosystems with extensive, interactive communities of plants and animals. In this educational coloring book, noted nature illustrator Ruth Soffer captures the fascinating life and diversity of the North American desert in 44 detailed illustrations. Included are such animals as the Gila monster, prairie dog, kit fox, desert tortoise, California quail, mule deer, and other species, all depicted in their natural habitats. These areas include such vegetation as prickly pear cactus, Indian rice grass, four-wing saltbush, and other vegetation, drawn here with painstaking botanical accuracy. With this well-researched coloring book, colorists of all ages can enjoy re-creating the many colors and textures of the desert while learning about its wide variety of plants and wildlife.