People passing by call this land the big empty. But I call it home.

In spare, poetic text written from the point of view of big sagebrush, readers are transported to the vast landscape of western North America. This incredibly resilient plant, which can live as long as one hundred years, provides food and shelter as well as shadows to conceal both predators and prey. After a wildfire passes through, it grows again and will thrive once more. Author and illustrator Kirbi Fagan captures the beauty of this essential plant in her lyrical words and richly detailed illustrations.

For Teachers:

A hopeful story to read to classrooms. Pair The Big Empty with these topics below.

Reading age: ‎ 5 - 10 years

• Ecosystems

• Survial stories

• Habitats

• Life Cycle

• Sustainability

• Biodiversity

• Pollution

• Conservation

• North American Grasslands