underGROUND

underGROUND

Discover the down and dirty secrets of underground creatures in this vibrant picture book from a Caldecott Honor medalist. What young child doesn’t love playing in the dirt? And who hasn’t wondered what goes on in the lives of all the creatures who live underground? Celebrated Caldecott Honor medalist Denise Fleming applies her signature bold and bright pulp-paper-collage style to a universal childhood topic in this dynamic, rhythmic book that’s just right for reading aloud—and comes complete with a detailed glossary. PreS-Gr 1-Bursting with her signature bold color and textured pulp paintings, Fleming's latest tour de force affords an immersion into the backyard world below our feet. Economical and descriptive, the rhythmic text pairs with cross-section illustrations of the myriad creatures that burrow, dig, and tunnel their way underneath the earth's surface. Revealed amid the nests and tunnels, too, are other (and oft amusing) forms of subterranean deposits: seeds, root vegetables, old tools, keys, dog bones. Young readers will spot a connecting narrative arc in the artwork as a young boy helps plant and water a new cherry tree. An illustrated "Creature Identification" index is appended, offering concise information about the underground habits of the wildlife. A first-rate picture book on every level and made-to-order for group sharing, this title reveals the fascinating "squirm-ways and worm-ways" found in the natural world.-Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. It’s not every illustrator who can depict bunnies, moles, and grubs with an almost equal charm, but so Fleming does in this winning, factual look at life down under, from its teeming burrows and furrows to its “squirm-ways and worm-ways.” Simple rhyming text invites readers into the often-ignored realm: “Low down. / Way down. / Under ground. / Creatures dig / and run around.” Full-spread illustrations in Fleming’s pulp-painting style bring the insects and animals of the subterranean world—and the occasional lost tool or toy—to the fore with cutaway views of the complex system of roots, nests, tunnels, and bustling action just below the earth’s surface, including not only the expected chipmunks, earthworms, and ant colonies but also lesser-known cicada nymphs and wolf spiders. Juxtaposing the doings below are aboveground activities centered around a boy and his dog playing, helping to plant a cherry tree, and harvesting vegetables on a sunny day. A “Creature Identification” page adds further value by detailing all of the subsurface critters in the illustrations. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Kristen McKulski “The earth beneath children’s feet is teeming with activity if only they look. In this engaging backyard exploration, the art provides a narrative frame: A boy and his dog are planting a tree. Brief, rhythmic text invites youngsters to examine the labyrinth “[l]ow down. / Way down. / Under ground.” Fleming’s pulp-painting technique is used to best advantage to capture the textures of coarse dirt, pebbles, roots and tunnels, and every page-turn offers full-spread cutaway views…. Children who look closely will also find those lost treasures that are always so much fun to dig up—a key, a coin, a toy car and more…. A spread entitled Creature Identification provides more information about each of the critters, completing the book. Validation for every kid who's ever picked up a trowel to explore the wonders underground.” —Kirkus Reviews , August 1, 2012 “Bursting with her signature bold color and textured pulp paintings, Fleming’s latest tour de force affords an immersion into the backyard world below our feet. Economical and descriptive, the rhythmic text pairs with cross-section illustrations of the myriad creatures that burrow, dig, and funnel their way underneath the earth’s surface. Revealed amid the nests and tunnels, too, are other (and oft amusing) forms of subterranean deposits: seeds, root vegetables, old tools, keys, dog bones. Young readers will spot a connecting narrative arc in the artwork as a young boy helps plant and water a new cherry tree. An illustrated “Creature Identification” index is appended, offering concise information about the underground habits of the wildlife. A first-rate picture book on every level and made-to-order for group sharing, this title reveals the fascinating “squirm-ways and worm-ways” found in the natural world.” — School Library Journal, August 2012 “Fleming invites youngsters to observe underground creatures, large and small, as well as their tunnels, burrows, food sources, and activities…while the few words on the pages may compel readers to flip quickly through the book, the gorgeous images invite lingering contemplation. Fleming’s pulp-painting collage illustrations are rich with texture and color: soft green leaves, fuzzy white roots, and grainy brown