Bial, Raymond. A Handful of Dirt. New York: Walker Books for Young Readers, 2000.
This highly readable, informative book introduces readers to various creatures who live in the dirt, all depicted in large color photos. Emphasizes respect for soil and includes basic instructions for setting up a home compost heap.
Bourgeois, Paulette, and Valerie Wyatt. The Amazing Dirt Book. New York: Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 1990.
This book explores humankind's associations with dirt throughout history. It discusses anthropology, the science of detergent, and geophagy (eating dirt). Also includes activities and recipes.
Bourgoing, Pascale De. Under the Ground (First Discovery Books). New York: Scholastic Trade, 1995.
This spiral-bound book introduces wildlife ranging from moles to ants, as well as animals that live underground in different ecosystems such as the desert, seashore, and river bank. Includes colorful illustrations with transparent overlays.
Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Meets The Rot Squad: A Book About Decomposition (Magic School Bus). New York: Scholastic Paperbacks, 1995.
Based on the animated television series, this book follows Ms. Frizzle's class as it takes a field trip inside a rotting log to learn about how nature recycles through decomposition.
Himmelman, John. An Earthworm's Life (Nature Upclose). New York: Children's Press (CT), 2001.
With simple text and illustrations, this book describes the daily activities and life cycle of the earthworm.
Lavies, Bianca. Compost Critters. 1st ed. New York: Dutton Juvenile, 1993.
What humans throw away is a feast for a host of creatures who quietly perform some of nature's most important work. This informative book, with exceptional photographs, reveals these small but mighty recyclers in their own environment.
Pluckrose, Henry Arthur. Under the Ground (Walkabout). Childrens Press ed ed. Toronto: Childrens Pr, 1994.
This book uses full-page, full-color pictures to help relate interesting facts about life underground in a simple, straightforward way. Designed to fascinate young readers without overwhelming them.
Rodgers, Suzanne;, and Mary M. Winckler. Our Endangered Planet: Soil. Minneapolis: Lerner Pub Group, 1993.
From the award-winning "Our Endangered Planet" series, this book helps readers understand how soil is formed, how it has become endangered, and how they can protect this important natural resource.
Sabin. Amazing World Of Ants -- Pbk. 2 ed. New York: Troll Communications, 1997.
This book discusses ant biology and sociology and highlights several of the more interesting species with highly detailed illustrations.
Silver, Donald M.. Backyard (One Small Square). New York: W H Freeman & Co, 1993.
This book examines the lives of creatures that readers might find in one small square of their own backyard. It includes activities, journaling techniques for nature exploration and exceptional illustrations.
Silverstein, Alvin, and Virginia Silverstein. Life in a Bucket of Soil. New York: Dover Publications, 2000.