From School Library Journal
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K-Gr 3—"Beneath our feet,/a world apart,/is found
our Earth's fast-beating heart./It keeps us living,/soil and
root,/while up above/we eat the fruit." Twenty-one pithy poems
focus on the world below in this well-designed volume. Bookended
by two inful poems and expanding on the word under
(underground, understand, understood), all the verse in between
explores under the house, the city, and the ground. Through a
variety of poetic forms, readers will meet ants, worms, and
moles; uncover buried history, cities, and treasure; and brush up
on the science of magma, plate tectonics, and earthquakes. The
text embodies wonder and factual information, piquing readers'
interest along the way. The detailed illustrations, done in mixed
media, tie the book together and provide little Easter eggs for
kids to notice on every page. Back matter includes "Notes on the
Poems: Both Scientific and Personal," which will help to engage
readers with the topic in a more meaningful way. VERDICT For
scientists and daydreamers, this slim volume of poetry approaches
the world from a variety of thought-provoking perspectives in an
attractive and engaging package. A fine addition to STEM-related
poetry collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
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Review
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*"Twenty-one poems...encourage children to explore
what is under their feet using imagination and wonder. (E)ach
poem honors the ability of young readers to navigate syntax,
imagery, and wordplay. Yolen's of the underground is
expansive...(and) Masse's mixed-media illustrations portray the
imaginary points of view with omb. A thoughtful exploration of
nature expressed in poetry that should open the eyes of children
to unseen worlds." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*"Yolen pays tribute to the natural...and the man-made...as well
as musing on lost cities, (and) pirate treasure...Blending
creativity with scientific fact, (her) poems appeal to readers'
imaginations and intellects alike." - Publishers Weekly, starred
review
"...This collection illuminates the rich world of activity that
goes on beneath our feet. The warm, naturalistic illustrations of
underground scenes...often contain an element of charming
whimsy...(and) nicely compliment the verses. Great for either a
school or public library." – Booklist
"Through a variety of poetic forms, readers will...uncover buried
history...The text embodies wonder and factual information...The
detailed illustrations...tie the book together and provide little
Easter eggs for kids to notice on every page. For scientists and
daydreamers, this...volume of poetry approaches the world from a
variety of thought-provoking perspectives in an attractive and
engaging package." -School Library Journal
“This book of short, fun poems… could be used to teach both
poetry and content. The illustrations are bright and feature two
children discovering all the wonderful things that live
underground.” -School Library Connection
“Twenty-one poems invite children to consider the worlds—natural
and manmade— beneath their feet…. shifting perspectives add a
sense of playfulness. Notes…for each poem round out this title,
offering extra information, conversation starters, and possibly
inspiration for children to write about their own subterranean
interests." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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About the Author
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Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America
and the Aesop of the twentieth century. Her many awards include
both the Kerlan Award and the Regina Medal for the body of her
work. She lives in Hatfield, Massachusetts, and St. Andrews,
Scotland. janeyolen.com
Josée Masse is the illustrator of the critically-accled
reverso poems by Marilyn Singer (Mirror Mirror, Follow Follow,
and Echo Echo) and the Frog and Friends (I Can Read) series by
Eve Bunting. She lives in Montreal, Canada. joseemasse.com
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