Thunder Underground [Paperback]

In this collection of poems that's a science, poetry, and adventure story all rolled into one, noted children's poet Jane Yolen takes readers on an expedition underground.

This thought-provoking collection will evoke a sense of wonder and awe in readers, as they discover the mysterious world underneath us. Kids will explore everything from animal burrows, to human creations -- like subways -- to ancient cities and fossils.  Even deeper down, there are caves, magma, and Earth's tectonic plates. The illustrations show how girl and boy, accompanied by several animals, go on a fantastic underground journey. In these poems, young readers will see that beneath us are the past, the present, and the future.★ Twenty-one poems...encourage children to explore what is under their feet using imagination and wonder. (E)ach poem honors the ability of young readers to navigate syntax, imagery, and wordplay. Yolen's treatment of the underground is expansive...(and) Masse's mixed-media illustrations portray the imaginary points of view with aplomb. A thoughtful exploration of nature expressed in poetry that should open the eyes of children to unseen worlds. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ Yolen pays tribute to the natural...and the man-made...as well as musing on lost cities, (and) pirate treasure...Blending creativity with scientific fact, (her) poems appeal to readers' imaginations and intellects alike. —Publishers Weekly, starred review

...This collection illuminates the rich world of activity that goes on beneath our feet. The warm, naturalistic illustrations of underground scenes...often contain an element of charming whimsy...(and) nicely compliment the verses. Great for either a school or public library. —Booklist