Underground

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, VT

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In this evocative ode to nature, Fleming returns to the backyard turf of In the Tall, Tall Grass and In the Small, Small Pond, but digs deeper--literally--to explore the teeming life found "Low down./ Way down./ Under ground." In some ways, the book functions as a pared-down summertime companion to Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal's Over and Under the Snow (2011): Fleming's scenes simultaneously depict what's underneath and just above the ground; created via her trademark "pulp painting" process, the spreads have a marbled texture, and are rendered in bright sky blues, vibrant grassy greens, and the warm brown-reds of soil. Spiders and salamanders scamper on rocks and between blades of grass, pink earthworms and a chubby toad navigate "Squirm-ways and worm-ways" in the dirt, a fox peeks from an underground den, and ants march through tunnels. All the while, a curious boy watches the activity and tends to his plants. Fleming's luminous scenes invite close inspection and creature-spotting, and a key at book's end contains facts on more than 20 featured animals. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"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