What Is Soil Made Of?

Book excerpt: Soil can be black, brown, red, yellow, or gray. It can be dry and crumbly or wet and sticky. There are many different types of soil, but they all have one thing in common--they are made mostly from rock! Inside this book, readers will discover how soil is formed and what ingredients make up soil. How do hard rocks become soft soil? How do plants become part of the soil when they die? And is animal poop really one of the ingredients in our gardens? Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. With its stunning photographs and surprising, high-interest facts about a material that most of us take for granted, the book makes learning about soil a lively, engaging experience.