Review Detail

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.