A classic Denise Fleming picture book, from the beautifully composed illustrations to a spare text that is never boring or predictable, looks at underground life in the natural world. Brown is understandably the predominant color in Fleming’s pulp-painting illustrations, but she deftly incorporates touches of vivid color to punctuate the underground scenes, or offers partial glimpses of the more vibrant aboveground world. The rhyming text is just a handful of words per page, describing what can be seen—and found—in the “squirm-ways and worm-ways” underground. A “Creature Identification” page spread at the back reiterates images from the illustrations, providing brief information about the creatures shown in this terrific choice for reading aloud or sharing one-on-one, not to mention for children to pore over on their own. Highly Commended, 2013 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–7)

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.