COYOTE RAID IN CACTUS CANYON

Veteran wildlife-watcher Arnosky turns his attention to the desert biome in this gentle account of the disruption of the peaceful world of Cactus Canyon by the visit of a pack of four young coyotes. Like a gang of small boys, they interrupt the ordinary activities of the cottontail rabbit, cactus wren, Gambel’s quail, and antelope squirrel, but are scared away by a passing rattlesnake and peace is restored. The simple story is told with lively verbs and descriptive detail; the large clear illustrations make it an ideal read-aloud. In the double-spread acrylic paintings, pinks and greens of the landscape are highlighted with the yellow sun; the plants and animals of the canyon scene are accurately illustrated and easy to identify. Even in silhouette, these animals are full of life. Once again Arnosky’s appealing brand of nature lesson will foster an appreciation of the natural world in any child. (Picture book. 4-7)