cover image Agave Blooms Just Once

Agave Blooms Just Once

Gisela Jernigan. Harbinger House, $10.95 (30pp) ISBN 978-0-943173-44-3

From the creators of One Green Mesquite Tree comes this sequel, a stunningly designed alphabet book. The rhyming definitions all concern the flora and fauna of the Sonoran desert, while the uniquely ornamented letters are based on ancient Hohokam Indian ceramic designs. Interesting descriptive facts are incorporated into each entry: ``K is for the kingsnake / striped in glossy black and white. / L is for the limberbush. / Its leaves are green and bright.'' The pages' stark white backgrounds and boldly defined, almost tropically colored paintings reinforce the sparkling Southwestern flavor. A glossary provides further information on each definition. The Jernigans have provided young readers and teachers with a striking and unusual addition to the ever-increasing roster of alphabet books. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)