52 Days by Camel by Lawrie Raskin

Since childhood, Lawrie Raskin has been fascinated by the Sahara desert. Raskin, working with children’s writer/editor Debora Pearson, chronicles a remarkable trip to “mysterious” Timbuktu — and then “beyond the beyond,” to the distant mines of Taoudeni, one of the most remote locations on Earth. On his travels, Raskin confronts danger and harsh elements, but is able to thoroughly immerse himself in the ancient and fascinating traditions of desert culture.

The journal-style text and lavish photographs invite the reader to partake in his adventures and splendid discoveries. Raskin, infused with enthusiasm and great wit, chronicles what it’s like to travel over seas of orange sand, spend nights looking for “lighthouses” in the desert, experience the remarkable smell of camel’s breath, toil in a salt pit, explore nomad camps and desert cities, and much more. Each chapter features a map tracking the progress of his travels, as well as informative sidebars.