A satisfying story of the slow growth and continued usefulness of a saguaro cactus, from the accidental placement of the seed to its final fall after two hundred years, during which time it offered food and shelter to many desert creatures. Illustrations show the cactus and its inhabitants from unusual angles.

K-Gr 2-- Text and illustrations successfully meld to tell this story of the slow-growing saguaro. The plant's 200-year life cycle from seed to final deterioration is presented chronologically. This sequential approach clearly demonstrates plant development and adaptation techniques for survival in a desert habitat. The symbiotic relationship of plant and animal at various stages of growth is shown as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects visit the cactus. Muted double-page illustrations provide a landscape background for the brighter hues of the cactus flowers and the creatures that come to visit. These illustrations are a gentle contrast to the boldness of Desert Giant (Little, 1989) by Barbara Bash and complement the photographs in The Hidden Life of the Desert (Crown, 1990) by Thomas Wiewandt. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ

On the same level and covering the same ground as Bash's Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus (1989), another clear, well-illustrated look at this pivotal contributor to the ecology of the Southwest. Bash's volume is a bit handsomer and includes the uses of the saguaro by Native Americans; but Lloyd's attractive illustrations are more finely detailed. A good second resource. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 5+)"