Katie of the Sonoran Desert: Based on a True Story (English and Spanish Edition) [Hardcover]

Kate Jackson (Author), Linda M. Brewer (Editor), Natalie Rowe (Illustrator)

Book Description

Winner of the 2010 IPPY Silver Medal in Multicultural Non-Fiction, and 2010 Moonbeam Children's Book Gold Medal. This is the true story of Katie, a meter-long western diamondback rattlesnake, and her adventures as she struggles to make a life for herself in the harsh Sonoran Desert. We re with Katie, sharing in her determination as she hunts for the food she needs to stay alive, her terror when attacked by vicious predators, and her care and devotion to the litter of babies she gives birth to. Although the story is told from Katie s point of view, the reason we know so much about her life is because of the work of scientists, who also appear in the story, using the latest technology to learn more about the private lives of snakes, and ultimately facing a terrible decision when Katie s life is in danger. This is the perfect read for any child who wonders what it might be like to be a rattlesnake, as well as for older children who want to know more about what it s like to be a biologist and what the science of studying reptiles and amphibians (herpetology) is all about. Katie del Desierto Sonorense. Basado en una historia real. Esta es la historia verdadera de Katie, una víbora cascabel de diamantes y sus aventuras luchando para hacer una vida para sí misma en el riguroso Desierto Sonorense. Estamos con Katie, participando de su determinación cuando caza la comida que necesita para vivir, en su terror cuando es atacada por depredadores feroces y en su cuidado y devoción a la camada de bebés que pareó. Aunque la historia se cuenta desde el punto de vista de Katie, la razón por la que sabemos tanto sobre su vida es gracias al trabajo de los científicos, que también aparecen en la historia, quienes usan la última tecnología para aprender más sobre la vida privada de las víboras y al final se tienen que enfrentar a una decisión terrible cuando la vida de Katie está en peligro. Esta es la lectura perfecta para un niño que se pregunta lo que se siente ser una víbora, así como para niños más grandes que quieren saber más sobre lo que significa ser biólogo y de que se trata la ciencia del estudio de los reptiles y anfibios (herpetología).

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a stunningly wonderful book, like nothing I've ever seen! Katie of the Sonoran Desert presents first-rate snake biology as an engaging story of scientific sleuthing, done by folks with a passion for everything within this gorgeous landscape; the illustrations are distinguished by their attention to detail as well as a genuine feeling for the animals. Any reader will be the richer. --Harry Greene, PhD, Cornell University. Author of Snakes: the Evolution of Mystery in Nature

Product Details

• Hardcover: 70 pages
• Publisher: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English, Spanish
• ISBN-10: 1886679150
• ISBN-13: 978-1886679153
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #805,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Katie of the Sonoran Desert -- a great read and view, September 10, 2009

By 

Margo Mildvan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Katie of the Sonoran Desert: Based on a True Story (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)

This was a lovely story overall, very creative and interesting, and the artwork in particular was really excellent. I highly recommend this book to adults and children of all ages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, educational, beautifully illustrated and and good press for snakes!, August 26, 2009

By 

Sundogs3 "Diane" (Hendersonville, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Katie of the Sonoran Desert: Based on a True Story (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)

Katie of the Sonoran Desert (Katie del Desierto Sonorense) is just a wonderful book. Katie is a western diamondback rattlesnake, and this book tells an exciting and touching true story of her life in the desert. The book is written in English and Spanish and can be used as an interesting learning tool. I can read aloud in English, then practice my Spanish pronunciation and vocabulary, and then return to English to figure out what I missed. The story and information is interesting enough to keep me coming back to practice.

Halfway through the book, the story ends and a presentation of information in both languages including brief but fascinating descriptions of all the animals and plants contained in Katie's story, as well as the beauty and harshness of the desert environment. Finally, there is a nice introduction to the study of herpetology.

This book is well worth reading and re-reading, not only by young people learning to read and by good readers who enjoy an interesting story with fascinating illustrations, but also by English-speaking fogies like me who can use this book as a quick dip into a comprehensible and genuine Spanish language book.

Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have Book, August 22, 2009

By 

Louisa B. Johnson "The Pooka" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Katie of the Sonoran Desert: Based on a True Story (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)

Katie of the Sonoran Desert is a must have book for all ages. The story is beautifully written by Kate Jackson and gorgeously illustrated by Natalie Rowe. This is no ordinary book for children. Kate Jackson's story and Natalie Rowe's art brought Katie to life in my mind. Everyone should read this book.