Supported by Christine Roman, PhD, internationally recognized CVI expert and creator of the CVI Range®
Most children's books are designed for children who can easily process complex visual information.
What Lives in the Desert? was created for children who cannot.
Developed using principles that support children with cortical visual impairment (CVI), low vision, autism, sensory processing differences, and other developmental needs, this thoughtfully designed picture book helps children discover desert animals in a way that is visually accessible, engaging, and meaningful.
Unlike traditional animal books filled with busy illustrations and visual clutter, each page is intentionally designed to help children:
- Find what to look at
- Focus on important visual information
- Recognize animals across repeated experiences
- Build language, concepts, and understanding
Featuring real photographic images instead of illustrations, children meet desert animals one at a time, including the fennec fox, roadrunner, rattlesnake, tarantula, camel, owl, meerkat, scorpion, coyote, and more.
Every spread incorporates three key principles:
HIGH CONTRAST
Helps important visual information stand out.
REDUCED COMPLEXITY
Minimizes visual overwhelm and supports attention.
MEANINGFUL CONTEXT
Helps children connect what they see to real-world experiences.
The book also highlights each animal's salient features, the visual characteristics that make it unique. Talking about these key features helps children strengthen recognition, build concepts, and identify animals across books, toys, videos, and real-life experiences.
How to Use This Book
- Read at your child's pace and allow time for looking
- Revisit favorite animals often
- Talk about each animal's salient features
- Use simple language to describe what your child is seeing
- Connect the animals to real-life experiences, videos, zoos, toys, and nature experiences
Perfect For
- Children with CVI
- Children with low vision
- Children with developmental delays
- Children with autism and sensory processing differences
- Early intervention
- Special education
- Speech and occupational therapy
- Preschool and home learning
Professional Note: Best suited for children with functional vision in mid-Phase II of the CVI Range® and above who are beginning to recognize real-world objects and build visual concepts.
Part of the Habitat Series from Little Dandelion Press, What Lives in the Desert? helps every child build confidence, concepts, and curiosity through accessible learning while discovering the amazing animals of the desert.
"In my work with children who have CVI, I have always emphasized the importance of materials that honor how each child learns to see, engage, and build meaning through experience. The resources developed by Little Dandelion Press reflect a thoughtful understanding of accessible learning and the need for materials that respect the child, their learning, and CVI needs. The work supports families and professionals in creating meaningful opportunities for connection, concept development, and authentic access to learning." — Christine Roman, PhD
As an author, advocate, and devoted mother, Rachel Worden brings a unique perspective and passion to the world of children's literature, particularly in the niche of CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment). With a profound commitment to raising awareness about CVI and supporting families facing similar challenges, Rachel uses her creativity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their caregivers, providing a much needed creative outlet and learning tool.
