Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

When most people think of a typical cactus, they probably think of the saguaro, which can grow to be 50 feet high, weigh up to several tons and live for 200 years. It plays a significant role in desert life: the Gila woodpecker builds its nest in the trunk (and once the woodpeckers are finished with their nest, an elf owl may move in); a Harris' hawk may construct a nest of twigs on the cactus; at night, a long-nosed bat may drink the nectar hidden in the saguaro flowers; during the day, the white-winged doves, butterflies and bees may also drink the nectar. And when the saguaro fruit ripens, it is harvested by the Tohono O'odham Indians for jams, candies, syrups and wines, as well as eaten by coyotes, ants and javelina pigs. Bash, who illustrated Tiger Lilies and Other Beastly Plants , has skillfully combined an informative, readable text with bold, appealing illustrations. Readers will appreciate the towering giant of the desert, and find the link between it and the other inhabitants of that land engrossing. Ages 6-10. (Jan.)