Books with author Melissa Higgins

Melissa Stewart shares with young readers the basic facts about butterflies, including how they transform from caterpillars to butterflies, where they live, what they eat, and how they benefit plants and animals. Sidebars throughout the book contain information about how human action has harmed butterflies in the past, and the many ways people can protect certain butterfly populations, like by preserving forests and meadows and cutting down on pesticide use. Also included are pointers on how youngsters can help butterflies in their own neighborhood. Stewart reminds children of the interconnectedness of our world and shows how the actions of one species can inadvertently harm another. Bond's realistically detailed illustrations highlight the diversity of the species, from the Schaus swallowtail butterflies in southern Florida to the endangered Mitchell's satyrs.

Let in the light! Introduce early readers preK-2 to light and how it plays a part in their everyday lives. Find out where light comes from, how we see it, and if it really bounces! Readers explore basic concepts of light through carefully leveled, engaging text and bold photographs reviewed by Smithsonian experts. Additional facts and graphic organizers such as charts and graphs provide more information about physics concepts.

In simple yet informative language, A Place for Birds introduces young readers to the ways human action or inaction can affect bird populations and opens kids minds to a wide range of environmental issues. Describing various examples, the text provides an intriguing look at birds, at the ecosystems that support their survival, and at the efforts of some people to save them. At the end of the book, the author offers readers a list of things they can do to help protect these special creatures in their own communities.

Spiders are famous for their complex webs, but that's not how all of these eight-legged critters catch food. Some chase prey on the ground. Others hide and grab bugs that come too close! Excite kids' natural curiosity with this Smithsonian Little Entomologist book about splendid spiders from around the world. Readers will be wowed by the amazing variety of arachnids and up-close photos, while also learning about bug behavior, life cycles, classification, and more. The engaging, leveled text supports life science curriculum.

Spiders are famous for their complex webs, but that's not how all of these eight-legged critters catch food. Some chase prey on the ground. Others hide and grab bugs that come too close! Excite kids' natural curiosity with this Smithsonian Little Entomologist book about splendid spiders from around the world. Readers will be wowed by the amazing variety of arachnids and up-close photos, while also learning about bug behavior, life cycles, classification, and more. The engaging, leveled text supports life science curriculum.