THE WILD, WILD SOUTHWEST!

The flora and fauna of New Mexico are brought vividly to life in the story of a family camping trip. Cousins Lucy, Benjamin, and Gabe visit Gila National Forest, White Sands National Monument, and the Carlsbad Caverns. Sightings of Gila monsters, Mexican free bats, and Pronghorn antelopes, as well as agave and yucca plants, pique their interest and lead to Junior Ranger badges. Mark Turetsky sets a brisk pace that reflects the cousins’ curiosity for the natural world. He speeds up at moments of excitement such as the flurry of bats deep underground and the spotting of a rattlesnake. He also gives a distinctive voice to each cousin and to each adult, including Ben’s naturalist mom, who shares the children’s interests. A.R. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2010]