In lyrical, short passages Miriam Moss introduces readers an oasis, "a green jewel in the desert, surrounded by mountains of shape-shifting sand." There, "a side-winding viper shakes scales as a warning, then slips under hot sand." Too, this is the "place where rivers run silver into green leafy gardens of hot pepper and lime."

Readers will see camels "printing pancake-sized footprints" in the sand and drinking "gallons of water in the soft shade of palms."

The oasis is also bustling with people, trade, and everyday life. Here the Tuareg—nomads—"pound millet, bear children, tend animals and draw water from wells."

The last two pages of the book contain short explanatory notes about the Sahara, sandstorms, camels, and more.

The realistic watercolor illustrations are full of detail and extend and enrich the text.

This is the Oasis is a winning choice for the classroom or library.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis
©2005 Education Oasis http://www.educationoasis.com