The Street Beneath My Feet
Look Closer Series
on Goodreads (511)
What’s inside...
This award-winning, double-sided foldout book takes readers on a captivating journey through the layers of the Earth, from the surface to the core and out the other side. It offers a detailed exploration of underground scenes beneath both urban and rural settings, featuring tunnels, pipes, rock layers, and the molten core. With subjects such as geology, archaeology, and natural history, the book engages children in a comprehensive learning experience. The laperello style format, extending to eight feet, allows for immersive reading and discovery. It is recognized as a 2018 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students and a 2018 American Library Association Notable Children's Book. Companion books in the Look Closer series encourage further exploration of the natural world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think lives under the ground and why can't we see them?
How do the layers beneath our feet support life above ground?
Can you imagine what it would be like to journey to the center of the earth? What might you see?
Why do you think it's important to know about the world beneath our feet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination and think creatively about what exists below the surface.
Use comparisons to things your child is familiar with, like comparing earth layers to the layers of a cake, to make the content more relatable and understandable.
Ask your child to draw what they think the different layers beneath the streets look like to engage their artistic skills and enhance their understanding.
After reading, take a walk outside and discuss what could be beneath your feet at different spots, turning it into a fun and educational game.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Earth's Layers
Explanation: The book uses vivid illustrations and engaging fold-out pages to depict the various layers of the Earth, from the surface to the core.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children grasp basic geological concepts, fostering a curiosity about science and the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: As children journey through the underground settings, they encounter various forms of life and geological phenomena, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think about the impact of human activities on the environment and promotes discussions on sustainability and conservation.
Example Lesson: Exploration and Curiosity
Explanation: The book invites readers to delve beneath the surface of the street, sparking imagination and curiosity about the unseen parts of the world.
Real-World Application: This sense of wonder can be applied to everyday life, motivating children to explore, ask questions, and seek knowledge about how things work.
Example Lesson: Visual Learning
Explanation: The detailed cutaway illustrations provide a visual understanding of complex scientific ideas made accessible for young minds.
Real-World Application: Enhances visual literacy and helps children absorb and remember information effectively, useful in educational settings and personal learning.
Example Lesson: Integration of Knowledge
Explanation: The book combines geological, biological, and environmental science in a coherent, easy-to-understand narrative.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to connect different areas of knowledge, improving their ability to think critically and synthesize information from various sources.