Book excerpt: Some plants have glossy green leaves. Some have colorful flowers. Some plants have long, sharp spikes. Amazing to look at and painful to touch, cacti and other prickly plants are always a favorite with young children. This book explores how many plants use thorns or spikes to defend themselves from animals that want to eat them. When it comes to cacti, the spines of these plants are actually long, thin leaves that have adapted to keep the plants from losing water in the dry, desert environments where they live. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From dramatic images to high-interest facts, this book makes learning about plant bodies, defenses, and adaptations a lively and engaging experience.