On a trip to Nevada to visit a friend, the author meets an adopted desert tortoise and learns about its habits and habitat. She learns, for example, that these friendly little creatures have been on the endangered species list as threatened for more than a decade. The story is illustrated with watercolors and photographs and an original easy-to-read poem about friendship continues throughout the book. Younger children can enjoy the pictures and the poem, while older children and even adults will enjoy the story and art work. A glossary of terms and a list of websites for more information are also included.