Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish
When some think of Death Valley, a barren wasteland comes to mind. Far from it, the area, now a protected national park known for its extreme temperatures, is teeming with a diverse range of endemic species, plants, and terrain. Children's story Fish in the Desert explores the fascinating and tiny 'pupfish, ' the world's rarest fish who have withstood the harsh conditions of Death Valley since the Pleistocene epoch.
The story follows Adele, a young girl, on a road trip with her family to Death Valley National Park in Southeastern California near the border with Nevada. They begin their tour at Badwater Basin, whose salt-crusted floor results from a bygone lake that had evaporated over thousands of years. At Salt Creek, Adele spots a beautiful and tiny blue and purple fish that the park's Aquatic Ecologist tells the family is called a pupfish, an endangered fish species renowned for its ability to exist with the intense heat and salt and even adapt to a changing ecosystem over thousands of years.
Young readers will learn how the tenacious pupfish, originally among many types of sea life, are the only species to have survived the climate change and extreme conditions of Death Valley and how there are even subspecies of pupfish who evolved separately in different pools of water. A back-of-book glossary explains terms used throughout the book, such as food chains, habitats, adaptations, and endangered species, while an ending spread shares picture prompts inviting readers on a search to find various plants and animals in the book that make Death Valley their home.
Educators and families of young children will delight in a book that uses engaging storytelling to highlight the importance of nature, environmental stewardship, and wildlife conservation to prevent the loss of an incredible endangered species and the unique and interesting ecosystem in which it lives. Fish in the Desert is the first installment in the Bringing National Parks to Life series, which focuses on a different protected location within the U.S. National Park Service and Wildlife Refuge.
With stunning illustrations and fascinating facts, this book is perfect for young nature lovers, inviting them to explore the wonders of our planet and celebrate the pupfish's astonishing survival skills.
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"Fish in the Desert brings to life the story of the Death Valley Pupfish - five species endemic to the region. This story does a fantastic job of weaving together the importance of national parks to people and the conservation of wildlife and their habitat. The educational resources at the end elevate this book to more than a story about an endangered species; it makes this a must-read for anyone of any age interested in learning more about national parks, wildlife refuges, and how to help wildlife and reduce our impact on climate change." -Katie Taylor, Founder of Endangered Species Protection Network
"This book checks all the important boxes. Great illustrations! (I even had to stop to admire the lovely endpapers.)There's a child, an adventure, a helpful adult, and TONS of fascinating ANIMALS and INFORMATION. It doesn't get better than that. And it's a lovely touch to come back to Adele's "resilience" at the end-full circles are good.The text is informative, you don't "dumb down" the important info-but provide a valuable glossary at the back.I love the things at the back-especially the challenge to find the animals, which is another excellent way to pull the reader into the experience. A+" -Sandra Cutuli, retired children's librarian
"As a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I first learned about the existence of pupfish early in my career. I was fortunate to meet the passionate Phil Pister, the savior of the Owens Pupfish species, at a Fisheries training I took in 1992. If he were alive today, I am sure Mr. Pister would be overjoyed about this beautifully crafted book. After a 34-year career as a Biologist for the U.S. Government, I have more concerns than ever about human-caused threats to the environment that sustains all life. My hope is that this engaging story, along with its colorful and accurate illustrations, will inspire children to love pupfish and thus nature itself. For it is love that creates the passion to advocate for rare species and a healthy environment."
-Lara Oles, former biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
"This is a wonderful story that overflows with educational detail and useful lessons that will empower young readers. Adele is an engaging main character who learns lessons about resilience and adapting that will resonate with young and adult readers. Having never heard of the pupfish species before, I was especially thrilled by the different types there are and loved learning about their various habitats. The brilliant illustrations enliven the work and help portray the animals in the story. Fish in the Desert by Adalgisa and David Nico is an outstanding children's work with enthralling adventures and facts. It is an unforgettable read for young and adult readers and all nature lovers." -Edith Wairimu, Reader's Favorite reviewer
"Brace yourself because you'll be in for an adventurous ride once you open this book. I can only describe the pictures in the book as magnificent art. They uniquely capture the breathtaking views of Death Valley, not losing the adventurous hint surrounding the park. I learned a lot from the enthralling facts about the park and the wildlife refuge. Did you know that almost every pool of water in the valley has a distinct species of Pupfish? The authors' enlightening choice of words will teach kids a lot about wildlife. Kids will also learn the importance of environmental conservation and its impact on wildlife. This book just made me want to visit Death Valley National Park and experience its beauty for myself." -Keith Mbuya, Reader's Favorite reviewer
