"Listen to the owl hoot, whoo, whoo whoo. / Listen to the owl hoot whoo whoo whoo. = Oye la lechuza, uuu, uuu, uuu. / Oye la lechuza uuu, uuu, uuu." A simple, rhythmic poem in which each colorful double-paged spread invites the reader to listen to - and hear - a different desert sound expressed in both English and Spanish. The repeating pattern and rhythm of each line creates a pleasing sense of certainty, and also anticipation, about what the next page will bring, while pacing the poem to evoke a sense of having stopped for a moment to listen to the sounds of the desert - and the languages. Francisco Mora's paintings combine geometric patterns with images suggested by the text to form a pleasing backdrop. (Ages 4-7)

Pat Mora's simple, poetic text in English and Spanish visits the desert at nightfall, when many different voices are speaking. Young children who have Spanish as either their first or second language will delight in the repeated, rhythmic sounds of this fascinating habitat at night. Lively illustrations are rendered in the vibrant hues of the desert.