WE ARE THE KEYSTONES: ANIMALS THAT HOLD HABITATS TOGETHER, by Katy S. Duffield, Hannah Salyer, Beach Lane Books, Sept. 1, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Meet animals that hold their habitats together in We Are the Keystones, a nonfiction picture book by Katy S. Duffield and Hannah Salyer.
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. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
In We Are the Keystones author Katy S. Duffield takes readers on a rhythmical journey that offers up personality. Factual text accompanies each spread, providing more detail and context. Hannah Salyer’s gouache and digital illustrations capture each habitat with strong detail and a wonderful use of glowing light.
We Are the Keystones is a beautifully told nonfiction narrative that would be perfect in a home or classroom library. It will especially appeal to children who want to see how things are connected. Interesting backmatter includes information on how keystones got their name and other species to explore.
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