The Dirt!

Wild Life Under the Soil's Surface

Illustrated by Lindsey Leigh
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Hardcover
$17.99 US
8.38"W x 10.38"H x 0.48"D  
On sale Nov 25, 2025 | 96 Pages | 9780593889657
Grades 3-7
Reading Level: Lexile 1030L | Fountas & Pinnell T

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Dig into the often messy world of critters who live underground and learn about why soil is essential to life on earth!

Did you know there is an entire ecosystem right beneath our feet? Have you ever heard of the "poop loop"? This graphic nonfiction title will both educate and excite young readers about the wonders (and creepiness!) of animals that live underground, including worms, beetles, armadillos, badgers, and even the tiniest of protozoa.

Author and illustrator Lindsey Leigh continues her popular and humorous trilogy by introducing critters of all sizes in this fact-filled book about the dirt-dwelling creatures that contribute to the soil food web and are crucial to the health of the world. Join her on this graphic and grimy deep dive into The Dirt!
Lindsey Leigh grew up near Washington, DC, fascinated by the Smithsonian museums and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Her passion for communicating scientific ideas eventually led her to join the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. She has since completed a scientific illustration internship with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and has created educational comics for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Tech, and the magazine BBC Focus. She is the author of The Deep! (Penguin Workshop) and The Dark! (Penguin Workshop).
“Though students likely take soil for granted, this standout overview showcases how fascinating it can be.” -Booklist, starred review

“Burrows brilliantly into its topic with a will and a wink.” -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This engaging starter look at soil and the variety of the flora and fauna that live in it is a solid and appealing purchase for all libraries.” -School Library Journal
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About

Dig into the often messy world of critters who live underground and learn about why soil is essential to life on earth!

Did you know there is an entire ecosystem right beneath our feet? Have you ever heard of the "poop loop"? This graphic nonfiction title will both educate and excite young readers about the wonders (and creepiness!) of animals that live underground, including worms, beetles, armadillos, badgers, and even the tiniest of protozoa.

Author and illustrator Lindsey Leigh continues her popular and humorous trilogy by introducing critters of all sizes in this fact-filled book about the dirt-dwelling creatures that contribute to the soil food web and are crucial to the health of the world. Join her on this graphic and grimy deep dive into The Dirt!

Author

Lindsey Leigh grew up near Washington, DC, fascinated by the Smithsonian museums and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Her passion for communicating scientific ideas eventually led her to join the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. She has since completed a scientific illustration internship with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and has created educational comics for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Tech, and the magazine BBC Focus. She is the author of The Deep! (Penguin Workshop) and The Dark! (Penguin Workshop).

Praise

“Though students likely take soil for granted, this standout overview showcases how fascinating it can be.” -Booklist, starred review

“Burrows brilliantly into its topic with a will and a wink.” -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This engaging starter look at soil and the variety of the flora and fauna that live in it is a solid and appealing purchase for all libraries.” -School Library Journal

Photos

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