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 themselves Home to more than half the animals and plants on earth, A Rain Forest Tree takes a close-up look at the life that lives on and around a single tree from the heights of the canopy, down through the understory to the forest floor. The humid climate conditions are described along with the birds, animals, and insects that live at each level of the tree and the plants and roots that grow on it. Tips help children investigate trees in their own neighborhood. Concepts are explained such as: -- food chains and camouflage -- prehensile tails -- defense mechanisms