It’s a stormy summer evening and rain is beating down in the desert. A slow-moving animal appears from its underground burrow. The desert tortoise has not drunk any water for nearly a year. Tonight, however, the tortoise will drink from cool puddles and feed on desert grasses and wildflowers. Packed with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its young audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Activities, such as describing the desert tortoise to a friend and discussing critical thinking questions, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures. From learning how living underground helps these tortoises survive in hot deserts, to seeing how baby tortoises start their lives buried in the desert sand, this book makes learning about the habits and habitat of these hardy desert animals an enjoyable, satisfying experience.