This book is a great introductory book about the layers of the earth. We start with two kids digging in the sand as we learn that the crust is just the very top of all of the layers of the earth. We see gorgeous cross-sectional illustrations with some of the possible things that could be seen beneath our feet.

I love how the book not only explains the basics of what we do know about Earth's layers, but it also talks about how we learned those facts. The book continues to explain how we don't know everything because we can't actually get to or survive those layers but science is always learning as new information and technologies develop, we continue to learn more.

Sometimes the information seemed to grow a bit beyond what it appeared was the target age for the book. For example, plate tectonics are hard to understand, and in this case, there were no graphics to help support what they are or how they work. It is a great starting point, but I can see even more questions coming from the book that were not fully explained. Many of the books on Earth's layers show the same or similar illustrations, so these cartoonish representations were a refreshing new twist. Students who may not be into geology or science might pick this up just for the beautiful pictures and learn something new.

Great book for an elementary or even middle-grade classroom.

Even as an adult, I really enjoyed this book. It's been a long time since I took Earth Science in school, so this was a nice educational refresher. The earth and how it works is so interesting. It's mind boggling to think about how the inner layers help protect the surface and all of us living here. This is a great educational book for children and adults alike! Thank you to Capstone, Capstone Editions, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was very cool! I love geology and plate tectonics, so it seems like a great way to introduce kids to these concepts.

I really enjoyed this illustrated guide to the layers of the earth and how they function. I had basically forgotten all of this knowledge so it was really nice to have this refresher, especially when it was done in such a captivating way. This book really felt like an adventure, not a scientific explanation of the earth. It was fun to read and the art was stunning. This is a great book for kids and adults alike.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

I enjoyed this book and I believe young readers would enjoy learning about soil and what is hiding under our feet. It is a great book to start young readers off with if they are interested in these topics. It is informational while being engaging.

Book Review: Scratching the Surface by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Erin Brown

Rating:P 4 Stars

I just finished reading Scratching the Surface by Kate Allen Fox, and I absolutely loved it! From the moment I saw the striking cover, I knew this book was something special. It’s a beautifully crafted journey beneath our feet that blends poetic storytelling with fascinating science, making geology feel like an exciting exploration rather than just facts on a page.

The story follows two curious children digging in the sand, which is such a relatable and engaging way to introduce young readers to the layers of the Earth. Kate Allen Fox’s writing strikes a wonderful balance—her words are lyrical and inviting, yet packed with scientific insight. Erin Brown’s illustrations add so much life to the book, with vivid, detailed cross-sections that allow readers to visualize what lies beneath the surface.

What I especially appreciated was how the book doesn’t just stop at explaining known facts; it also embraces the mysteries that science hasn’t yet solved, encouraging kids to wonder and ask questions. The additional nonfiction sections at the end—like the glossary, author’s note, and suggestions for further reading—provide a great foundation for young scientists eager to dive deeper.

Overall, Scratching the Surface is a captivating and beautifully illustrated gem that sparks curiosity and a love for discovery. It’s perfect for families and educators looking to inspire young explorers with a hands-on adventure into Earth science. Highly recommended!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

As someone with a science degree, this is a wonderful way to explain geology, palentology, and archaeology to kids. I enjoyed the prose as well as the thoughtful drawings. A must-have resrouce for any science classroom.

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE is jam packed with information about what lies under land and sea, the layers of the earth. Lyrical main text is an accessible introduction to geology. Illustrations and diagrams help younger readers understand the big ideas while sidebars have strong science facts and statistics.

The author points out how scientists know what they do and strive to learn more because we are curious. She invites readers to explore the mysteries of Earth's internal layers and stresses we have only scratched the surface of science discoveries. She shows how we know about geology and that we're finding new theories every year. The book ends with a hopeful message of what science is — guessing, trying, failing and trying again to get it right because the process is "a lot like being human".

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Kate Allen Fox’s "Scratching the Surface" is a captivating introduction to Earth’s hidden layers. With poetic yet informative prose and vivid cross-sectional artwork by Erin Brown, it turns geology into a hands‑on adventure for kids.
The narrative framed around two children digging in the sand—sparks curiosity, while the back matter (glossary, author’s note, further reading) gives solid science grounding.
My only slight quibble is that for the young children this book is target for, the illustrations could have been bit more clear in understanding than some abstract art. Still, this beautifully and vividly illustrated gem stirs wonder and curiosity, perfect for young explorers and science‑loving families.

This explosion of colorful illustrations and information about our planet is the perfect addition to any children’s science collection. If you are expecting a title describing the worms, bugs, and animals who live under the earth, this is so much more. The book delves into the layers which make up the earth from the crust to the core. It describes how each layer contributes to making this planet, we call our home. The bright, vibrant illustrations and kid friendly text combine to make a stellar science book!

The book stops and remarks on each layer of the earth with beautiful, eye-catching illustrations, scientific information (did you know that the deepest hole ever dug is in Russia and is 7.6 miles deep into the Earth???), and helpful discussion questions--"What's beneath our feet?" "What's inside our planet?" "Why do volcanoes form and continents shift?"

The book is being marketed to support NGSS Earth’s Systems for grades 2-4, but I think younger kids may also enjoy this book, and it is a good complement to any lessons on the Earth's layers that children learn in school.

Scratching the Surface: Exploring Earth's Layers will be published August 1, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley, Capstone, Capstone Editions, Kate Allen Fox (author), and Erin Brown (illustrator) for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I like that there is both simpler text, for younger kids, and more complex text to give the reader or their caregiver more information on the topics discussed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for allowing me to read an ARC of this one! I loved it and will definitely be buying it for my boys. I loved the way it was written and illustrated. Very easy for kids to read and understand!

What a fun way to read about our planet! Its a great way to teach younger children about the layers of Earth and helps break it down for them. Loved it and would definitely use this as a teaching tool!

Scratching the Surface brings the Earth's layers to life. Wonderfully illustrated science picture book with visuals of the crust, mantle, outer, and inner core. It introduces students not only to geology, but scientific method and inquiry at the same time. A great addition to the elementary science library.

Enter into the world beneath the surface where we play, and farm, and enjoy parks and more.
This is an exciting book that goes deeply from the surface, down through the layers of earth and
many of the things that we have already learned about the astounding things that exist beneath our feet. This STEM book includes a reminder of what is the scientific method and includes a glossary and a bibliography to encourage further study.
The illustrations by Erin Brown are simply perfect and in bright colors that make their meanings clear.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected readers' proof on Thorium PDF from Capstone | Capstone Editions via NetGalley. ***** review #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph @childrensbookcouncil
##ScratchingtheSurface by @kateallenfox and @erinbrownillo #NetGalley @capstonepub #childrensbookillustration #kidlit #BooksForKids #scratchingthesurface #learningthroughbooks #geologyforkids #kidlitart #kidlitSTEM #bookstagrammer #readaloud #kidsbookstagram #picturebooks #picturebookrecommendations #bookswelove #kidsbooks #picturebooksofinstagram #librarian #librarylove

Libro bellissimo. Questo anno a scuola ho parlato della terra, Se fosse stato possibile lo avrei utilizzato con i miei alunni . è un libro bello da vedere e spiegato in un modo affascinante. I bambini sono molto incuriositi nel guardarlo. Disegni belli colorati e pieni. Uno rimane tanto tempo a guardarlo perché è pieno di particolari che colgono la riflessione e interesse. Adatto ai bambini di 5 anni ai dieci. se poi è un bambino molto attratto dall'argomento in piccole dosi anche a quattro anni

This book is fun, informative, easy to read and the illustrations are AMAZING. My daughter and I enjoyed reading it together. A great introduction to geology.

Beautifully illustrated nonfiction book that goes into the depths of the earths surfaces. Scratching the Surface touches on the main features of the Earth's layered system. This deep dive into simple research that can be a starting point for elementary student to use as a class read aloud, for more individualized independent research, or just an amazing read for kiddos who love nonfiction. This could be a starting point into animal research or the earths habitats on the outer core.
The illustrations are colorful, interesting, kid friendly and appealing for all readers.

Fantastic pick for a children's library! The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is informative without being too detailed. This would be a great introduction to getting younger elementary school readers fascinated by geology. The illustrations also depict diverse children exploring earth's mysteries!