The Pine Tree Desert

At the base of a sandstone bluff in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, four sisters create their own imaginary place. They call it "The Pine Tree Desert" because the pine trees by the bluff are nestled in beautiful white sand. Emma, Eva, Ellen and Eloise love to play there whenever they can. They explore the bluff, build forts, climb trees, collect treasures, and come home with sandburs tangled in their shoelaces. When neighborhood boys discover the forts, trouble ensues, but a surprise visitor brings them all together. This book is for everyone who loves to be outside and explore. The book fosters imagination and unstructured, creative, outdoor play encouraging children to interact with their environment in ways that electronic entertainment cannot. The story demonstrates that free play can teach children important lessons in communication and cooperation. Without adult intervention children learn to resolve conflicts and arguments, and work together. Outdoor adventures in nature also allow children the opportunity to discover local plants, animals and insects. Indoor entertainment requires children to maintain a certain level of quiet, whereas outdoor play removes those restrictions and allows them to shout, run around, get dirty and just be kids!

The author grew up in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. The Driftless Area of the Midwest is unique. This region was bypassed by the last continental glacier leaving distinctive terrain, including sandstone bluffs.