A Saguaro Cactus

Small Worlds introduces children to ecology and ecosystems by concentrating on life in a small part of a larger habitat. Beginning with a description of the habitat, the book then looks at the plants and animals that live there. Young readers are introduced to:

-- the relationships that exist between groups of organisms and their environment

-- important ecological concepts, such as producers, consumers, decomposers, and food webs, explained and illustrated with examples

-- activities that encourage children to investigate ecosystems closer to home

-- tips on observing safely without disturbing nature or endangering themselvesDifferent kinds of cactus provide food, moisture, and shelter to a wide variety of plants and animals. A Saguaro Cactus tells young readers what animals make their home high above, on the ground, and deep below the cacti of the Sonoran Desert in the United States and Mexico. A special section shows children how to create their own miniature desert. Fantastic fact boxes give information about:

-- deserts around the world

-- plants that live in arid climates

-- how certain animals are able to survive in climates with a limited amount of water