Creatures of the Desert World

Living in and loving the Sonoran Desert, I buy this book for every kid I know. This is a gorgeous, educational, interactive book that is chock full of fun flaps and slides and exciting 3-D pop-ups on every page. It will make the reader want to visit this desert in person.

I recently discovered the National Geographic pop-up books when my husband found a mint copy of Animal Homes in his childhood stuff. Unfortunately it seems that most of these books are now out of print, but I was happy to find the Creatures of the Desert World. As with Animal Homes, the intricacy, large size and detail of the pop-up art is impressive and unmatched by any other nature pop-up books that I've seen. Unlike most books where the 3-D element is really small or solitary, the art in these books fills the full spread. There's lots of dimension to the pages including stunning 3-D layers, animals in motion, tabs to pull to create action and lift tabs to reveal hidden animals. The images are detailed, colorful illustrations printed on both sides of the dimensional elements. The text is unexciting, but it's a minor complaint when faced with such an amazing book. My toddler is obsessed with these books, although she requires a lot of supervision and reminders to keep her grubby, little hands off the animals.

All the kids love this book, it’s so fantastic. The animals come alive when you move the tabs. For younger kids you have to be careful they don’t break them, but it is good for a lot of squealing enjoyment. Great artwork, I want to get a copy just for myself!

This is the best pop-up book I've ever seen. The life forms pictured are wonderful and the text is good. I found one years ago (and have kept it for me), but bought this one for a budding 6-year old naturalist. Highly recommended.

This elaborate ‘pop-up’ animals of the desert book is fantastic; I ordered a second as backup. Bobcats, Prarie dogs, Jackrabbits, Scorpions, Quail, Bats and more with easily presented information & illustrations. Yes, you can repair unintentional separations from pull tabs & reinforce lift-the-flap hinges weakened from all the use this book will inspire. 3 yr old granddaughter drags out this (her words) “Jackrabbit” book whenever I’m with her.

Highly recommended! I have purchased at least 30 copies of this book over the years. My son, now in graduate school, loved it as a child, as did all my neices. The paper engineering, the art work, the brief but accurate information, make this book a wonderful introduction to desert animals. Most of my exchange students have carried copies home. I continue to buy copies of this book when I travel to distant lands. I give one to hosts, guides or teachers as a small way to share my beloved Arizona desert with those who will never be able to visit. I have a vivid memory of Tuaregs in Timbuktu crowded around the book and pulling the tabs. They loved the paper craft and very much enjoyed making comparisions between the animals and plants shown in the book, and their own arrid surroundings. This book can make the world a smaller, friendlier place!

My sons are absolutely fascinated by the 3D pop ups. The think that this book is cool. They even had their toy soldiers and Lego men explore the terrain. One of the pop up bits did not go back in place, and they had not even started using it yet. ...and that’s the only reason for the 4 star grade.

This is our second time purchasing this book. It’s very well made but my daughter loved our first one so much I need to get her a new one. The first one lasted years, and that’s saying something with the amount of use it received. The plants and animals are well made and accurate to our favorite desert home. The pop ups are beautiful and intricate. Animals move in front of plants, rocks, and even under the ground. It’s fun to see the way the cutouts work. This book is a gem.

I had a couple of these gifted to me in the 80’s and they were hands down my favourite books. I still have them and my kids adore them! Trouble is they are getting worn out, so I was ecstatic to see that I could still find some for purchase. My kids love this book and ask for it all the time. I highly recommend any National Geographic action book.

Great book with a lot of pull out features. Kids LOVE it. A pity the other books in the series are no longer printed!

Wow! The best pop up I have ever seen! So detailed and multi dimensional. My children cannot get enough of it, neither can I!! Full of captivating information as we follow the journey of the animals through the day, in the desert. I hope National Geographic re-releases the other action books, I would buy them all!

A super book with amazing pop up action. Highly recommend!!! I can't believe they're out of print now. Such a great classic get it while you still can!

Great quality and superb 3-D popup book