Caves: Mysteries Beneath Our Feet (Earthworks) [Hardcover]

David L. Harrison (Author), Cheryl Nathan (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-3-Harrison's introduction to cave formation and life provides little new information, but offers richly textured artwork. The simple, straightforward text first offers an account of the discovery of Howe Caverns in New York. In 1842, a farmer noticed that his cow looked content despite the searing heat. When he investigated, he realized that the creature was experiencing a form of natural air conditioning-she was standing in front of a cave entrance that emitted a cool breeze from an underground network situated directly below his pasture. The text then launches into a broad description of caves, including what they look like, how they evolve, what they consist of, and the ecosystems inside them. Harrison's clear, lyrical narrative is printed in a clean, large typeface that flows nicely. The double-page art layers warm colors, often against a white background, and provides close-up views of cave inhabitants. Gail Gibbons's Caves and Caverns (Harcourt, 1996) and Stephen Kramer's Caves (Carolrhoda, 1994) cover the same subject just as well or better, but Harrison's title will have more appeal to beginning and reluctant readers.

Catherine Threadgill, DeKalb County Public Library, Atlanta, GA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6-8. Biologist Harrison has often used whimsical poetry to capture the imaginations of children interested in science. There's no poetry in this Earthworks picture book about caves, but Harrison's simple, fluid language is winning all the same. When Millicent the cow strays from the shade, Farmer Howe wonders what has drawn her away from familiar comforts. He discovers that underground breezes from caves beneath his pasture are keeping his cows cool. Then the science kicks in, as Harrison describes caves formation and the underground ecosystems that thrive in the cool dark. The picture, filled with surprising movement, nicely picture both the "story" and the science. An author's note and a bibliography of further readings are appended. It's science with grace, sure to please and inform. Kelly Halls
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563979152
• ISBN-13: 978-1563979156
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,272,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Harrison was born in Springfield, Missouri. He has lived in Ajo, Arizona (as a boy), Atlanta, Georgia (as a graduate student), Evansville, Indiana (as a pharmacologist), Kansas City, Missouri (as an editorial manager) and back in Springfield (as a business owner). Counting his first poems at age six, David has been a writer most of his life and has produced 80 published books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that have won dozens of awards. He holds two degrees in science and two honorary doctorates of letters (MSU and Drury University). He is poet laureate for Drury and David Harrison Elementary School was named in his honor. He regularly speaks at conferences and visits schools.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good, January 7, 2008

By 

TD Mom of 5 (Santa Clara, UT) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Caves: Mysteries Beneath Our Feet (Earthworks) (Hardcover)

We bought this book from Amazon after the gift shop at the Luray Caverns in Virginia had no children's books to buy. It is a good book. A little technical so I'd probably recommend it for children over age 6 or 7. The first part begins talking about cows cooling down from the cool air escaping from the caves but the author never follows up on that which is unfortunate. But it is good at explaining things overall and my 7 year old was able a couple years later to use this book as a reference for a his science fair exhibit on stalagmites & stalgtites.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for their earliest interest in caves and earth science, December 26, 2009

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caves: Mysteries Beneath Our Feet (Earthworks) (Hardcover)

This is a great book on caves for very young readers -- 3, 4, and 5's. It begins with happy cows cooling off in a subterranean breeze, then talks about the discovery of Howe Caverns in New York. Takes readers through cave formation and wildlife, and even how to behave in caves. Excellent.