Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Stories from the Desert Path: The Come Walk With Me Series is a collection of adventures-in-nature tales written by Shirley A. Williams and illustrated by Connor Furr. Aundi was new to the desert. The eight-year-old and her family had formerly lived in New York, out in the country where she and her friend, Daniel, had spent many hours investigating the lakes and forest and other wild places near their homes. Then Aundi's family moved to Marana, Arizona, a town that's near Tucson. It was also a special place, albeit different than the forests of New York. Aundi could see the Catalina Mountains from her bedroom window and loved watching the sun rise over them. The valley below her window was filled with Saguaro cactus, Palo Verde and Mesquite, and flowers would bloom depending upon the season. Best of all, Aundi knew of a magical desert path where something new and special could be discovered on every visit.

Shirley A. Williams' collection of nature tales for children, Stories from the Desert Path: The Come Walk With Me Series, is a marvelous introduction to the natural history of the Sonoran Desert with just the right touch of magic to make reading these tales come truly alive. I loved learning about the Sagauro cactus and the way cactus boots are formed around the nests of the birds who make these remarkable cacti their homes. Williams also introduces her readers to a number of wonderful rescue dogs, a Gila Woodpecker and desert rabbits as her intrepid explorer ventures into the world to be found within the Desert Path. Connor Furr's illustrations are outstanding. These pen and ink sketches bring the desert up close to the reader and the colorful washes he uses emulate so well the dazzling colors of the desert sky and profusion of cacti and other desert plants. I'm looking forward to more additions to The Come Walk With Me Series in the future. Stories from the Desert Path is most highly recommended for nature and magic lovers of all ages.