The Jump Into Science book Dirt takes on the topic of soil, one of the most important resources on Earth. A star-nosed mole is the book's character guide, and he shows off all the different kinds of dirt in his garden, helps us to understand how dirt formed and what's in it, and points out many of the incredible creatures who live in the dirt. Young readers will learn fascinating scientific information about the different soil layers, or horizons, and find out how the soil that plants grow in differs from the soil that building foundations sit in. They'll also learn fun stuff: Did you know a single earthworm can eat several tons of soil a year? Dirt takes on more significance than just something to be cleaned up when you realize that it's a critical part of the web of life. Without it, plants could not grow, and animals - and people - could not live. Soil is importnat, and it needs protecting. Dirt also discusses some of the issues surrounding soil conservation and protection and talks about protecting forests and grasslands as a way to help. A do-it-yourself experiment at the end of the book walks kids through a great activity - how to build your own soil ecosystem in a plastic soda bottle. Give it some time, and you'll see grass begin to sprout and critters crawling around in your miniterrarium. The bright cheerful art, and the delightful mole will charm readers as they learn all the secrets of the precious substance down underground - dirt.
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From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-Sprightly illustrations featuring a mole sporting a cheerful wardrobe of play clothes brighten a straightforward text about the formation and importance of soil. Brief chapters explain what it's made of, what lives in it, and its layers and uses. The art is similar in style to that in Ellen J. Prager's Sand (National Geographic, 2000), also illustrated by Woodman. Each spread is surrounded by an earthy-brown border, and the watercolor pictures clarify the scientific concepts. Lighthearted touches such as a frog holding an umbrella and a mole joyfully tossing fall leaves appear throughout. Scientific accuracy and clarity of writing predominate, with one possible exception-soil layers are most frequently formed from the top down by water passing through rather than by layering from the bottom up, as indicated in the text. A quick, pleasant introduction to earth science.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By ardnam
Format:Hardcover
This is a great piece of nonfiction for children. It is well illustrated and the text is easily understood. Children will have a great understanding of soil and its importance. I read this to my class and we are doing one of the experiments presented in the back of the book. I love books that provide extension activities for children. Highly recommended. Young children need more exposure to good nonfiction and this book fits the bill.
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book Dirt and also Sand by the same publisher. I now wish I would have gotten both copies in hardback. I nearly never feel that way because of the price difference. We buy alot of books! This is one I can use now with my middle schoolers, use later and use with Grandchildren some day. The pictures are vibranant and well laid out. The information is pertenient, and well placed and it is FUN to read! Pre-school through early High School could appreciate this book, understand it, and find it useful. Anyone who needs to understand our soil would do well with both these books. They cover different material so neither would be a repeat. National Geographic, as always did a great job.
Excited Teacher in Nevada!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great nonfiction
Mar 7 2004
By ardnam
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great piece of nonfiction for children. It is well illustrated and the text is easily understood. Children will have a great understanding of soil and its importance. I read this to my class and we are doing one of the experiments presented in the back of the book. I love books that provide extension activities for children. Highly recommended. Young children need more exposure to good nonfiction and this book fits the bill.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
All the Dirt
Aug 3 2004
By K. Roman
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
DIRT is a very accessible book. It starts simply and tries to make a connection with what readers already know about dirt. The author soon begins to call dirt "soil". It discusses soil's composition, formation, and use. It also covers the animals, insects, and organisms that live in soil. There is information about the layers of soil and conservation is mentioned briefly. There is a plant growing activity, but no resources for further study. The illustrations are colorful, clear, and kind of friendly. DIRT might be a good companion to the humorous "The Diary of a Worm". Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
get to the nitty gritty.....
July 30 2003
By Browyn Brough
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book Dirt and also Sand by the same publisher. I now wish I would have gotten both copies in hardback. I nearly never feel that way because of the price difference. We buy alot of books! This is one I can use now with my middle schoolers, use later and use with Grandchildren some day. The pictures are vibranant and well laid out. The information is pertenient, and well placed and it is FUN to read! Pre-school through early High School could appreciate this book, understand it, and find it useful. Anyone who needs to understand our soil would do well with both these books. They cover different material so neither would be a repeat. National Geographic, as always did a great job.
Excited Teacher in Nevada!
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
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