Wonder World: Earth

WONDER WORLD: EARTH is a fascinating look into what makes up the earth/soil. The book takes readers on a learning journey into the ground beneath our feet. It touches upon the layers of our planet before going into what we can find in soil, including worms, microbes, and more.

What I loved: This is a fun and educational book, great for curious preschoolers and early elementary school aged readers. It reads like an extended picture book with lush, colorful illustrations accompanied by key text. The breadth of information is great for this age group as well, covering the basics and cool facts without going too far in depth.

There's a lot to learn about soil, and the book does a great job touching upon key topics and answering questions curious young readers might have. The text is nice and large and clear throughout the book, making it easy to read aloud.

Final verdict: With colorful and vibrant images, WONDER WORLD: EARTH is perfect for readers who are curious about the world under their feet.

Wonder World: Earth: The Natural Science of Soil by Ben Lerwill, stunningly illustrated by Xuan Le, is an absolute triumph of children’s nonfiction. Published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, this beautiful picture book transforms what could be a dry, dusty topic into a thrilling, subterranean adventure.

The book strikes a perfect balance between accessible storytelling and genuine, curiosity-led scientific exploration. Guided by two charming, magnifying-glass-wielding children, readers are treated to a wealth of fascinating facts—from the "400 billion billion" worms turning the earth to the microscopic fungal networks helping trees "talk" to one another. It introduces robust scientific vocabulary seamlessly, highlighting key terms in bold text to stretch fact-hungry minds without ever feeling overwhelming.
Lerwill’s playful, chatty prose introduces young readers to the ground beneath their feet, brilliantly framing soil not just as "dirt," but as the world's busiest, most vital underground metropolis.

Xuan Le's jewel-toned, chalk-like illustrations are a visual feast, bringing hidden ecosystems, animal burrows, and nutrient cycles to life with dazzling clarity... even if I think all the bugs are gross.

For parents and educators looking to inspire the next generation of earth scientists, this book is a mandatory addition to the shelf. It effortlessly connects soil health to the wider picture of global survival, explaining how it grows our food, filters our water, and cleans our air.

Wonder World: Earth functions beautifully as a vibrant daytime read, an educational tool for early science curricula, or a captivating bedtime book.