Sandy, crumbly, muddy, rocky, red, brown, gray—all these words can be used to describe soil. Some soil is soft and black and smells of wet leaves. By contrast, another kind is dry, orange, and as hard as rock. Inside this book, readers will discover that it's the ingredients that make up soil that give it so many different forms. Why is soil in a desert different from soil in a forest? What is the silvery-gray soil on the slopes of a volcano made of? And which types of soil are best for growing plants? 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.