Parents who brought their kids for the debut story hour at Boyce Thompson Arboretum were tempted to buy the day’s featured book for its artwork alone.

Illustrated by acclaimed Gold Canyon painter Anne Coe and written by Madeline Dunphy, Here is the Southwestern Desert describes our surrounding Sonoran Desert with lush pictures of the colorful plants and animals that call this home.

According to one reviewer, “Madeleine Dunphy’s poetic text explores all the warm and native elements that make the American Southwest such a mystical place, while Anne Coe’s stunning paintings portray the desert’s plants and animals as well as the dazzling colors reflected in the rocks and skies of the Sonoran Desert.”

Enjoying a new book read aloud is a great way for families to experience the Arboretum together – and a new book will be showcased each Saturday at 10:00 a.m., continuing with Cactus Hotel Jan. 12, Everybody Needs a Rock Jan. 19 and Unique Australian Animals Jan. 26 – and stories continue Saturdays through April 29.

Weekend nature walks and events, as well as daily guided tours at 11 a.m., are included with admission of $9 for adults, $4.50 ages 5-12. Read about all events at ag.arizona.edu/bta, or see photos and connect with more than 3,400 BTA fans at facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

Want to know the best spots to see and photograph colorful Northern Cardinals – or hear the story behind the mansion on the hill at the east end of the main trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum? Learn about Sonoran Desert plants, animals rocks and natural history on a 90-minute walking tour lead by personable and knowledgeable Arizona State Parks volunteer guides; daily tours at 11 a.m.

January Events:

Jan. 11 HDR Specialized Photo Software Class 10 am  ($30-$39)

Jan. 12 Edible And Medicinal Desert Plants Walking Tour at  1:30 pm

Jan. 19 Plants of the Bible Saturday Walk with Dave Oberpriller at  1:30 pm

Jan. 20 Trees-of-the-Arboretum Sunday guided walk  with Certified Arborist Jeff Payne at  1:30 pm

Jan. 26 Geology Tour with Alan Seymour 1:30 pm

Jan. 27 Camera Basics – an outdoor photography workshop with Tom Boggan 1-3 pm ($20 / $29)

Feb. 2 Australia In Arizona Guided Walking Tour at 1:30 pm

Feb. 3 Plants of the Bible Sunday Walk with Leda Fide at  1:30 pm