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Table of Contents
About The Book
Meet keystone species—the hidden heroes of the natural world—and learn about the ecosystems they support in this marvelous nonfiction picture book from the author of Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals.
Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. From beavers to elephants, alligators to hummingbirds, keystones help themselves and other species survive. Whether it’s creating habitats for themselves and other animals, leaving behind leftovers that fertilize the soil, or clearing out harmful algae, keystones live up to their name in their essential contribution to the harmony of our natural world.
Keystone species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have a huge effect on the environments around them. From beavers to elephants, alligators to hummingbirds, keystones help themselves and other species survive. Whether it’s creating habitats for themselves and other animals, leaving behind leftovers that fertilize the soil, or clearing out harmful algae, keystones live up to their name in their essential contribution to the harmony of our natural world.
About The Illustrator
Hannah Salyer received her BFA in illustration and communication design, with a minor in environmental studies, from Pratt Institute. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes and illustrates picture books, including her own Packs: Strength in Numbers and Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art, as well as This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky. She also teaches art classes for young kids and illustration classes for undergrad students at Parsons School of Design. Visit her at HannahSalyer.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (September 1, 2026)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665946896
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
Browse Related Books
Awards and Honors
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): We Are the Keystones
Hardcover 9781665946896
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Author Photo (jpg): Katy S. Duffield None(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit


