Soil

Children's Literature

Dirt and children are a natural combination and is but one reason why young readers will enjoy digging through the pages of this fact-filled, informative book about soil. The slim book is a new addition to the Bridgestone Science Library series "Exploring the Earth." Readers will discover exactly what soil is, the different types of soil, animals that make their home in the soil, why plants need soil, the importance of topsoil to survival and how they themselves can become soil conservationists. Readers will learn how soil is damaged by people and ways to prevent soil pollution. Fun-facts about soil are peppered throughout the book. The large-print text is easy on young eyes. Full-page photographs accompany the text on opposing pages and add great detail. A hands-on activity encourages eager readers to test differences between sand and soil. A useful glossary aids understanding. Endnotes include a list of Internet sites, books for further reading and addresses where readers can search for more information about soil. This volume is an excellent resource for home and primary or pre-school classrooms. 2001, Capstone Press, $18.60. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sue Reichard