Explore Soil!

November 1, 2015
Grades 2-5 This entry in the Explore Your World series offers an animated, extensive introduction to soil, from detailing types to explaining how soil functions and impacts the environment to addressing conservation issues. The scientific concepts are generally well explained in accessible, often peppy text, while key terms are defined both with context clues and in sidebars. Essential Questions throughout the book invite further thinking and encourage readers to revisit previous information. Projects, some of which require adult supervision, include simple experiments, such as checking soil's moisture content; food-related activities; and crafts, such as making coiled-clay pots. Occasional content-related jokes add a lighthearted touch. The page layouts, though colorful, can seem cluttered, and the abundant, simply rendered cartoon illustrations often seem more for humor or visual interest than explanation. Interspersed QR codes for primary sources won't be accessible to all kids, though URLs are included on a resources page. Overall, however, this is a broad-ranging, inviting approach to the topic, which both students and educators may find useful. Glossary, further resources, and index appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)