Scratching the Surface

by Kate Allen Fox, Erin Brown (illustrator)

A lyrical, scientific exploration of what’s below our feet, this gorgeously illustrated informational picture book digs into geological discoveries—and embraces the mysteries science has yet to solve. Join “science poet” Kate Allen Fox (Pando, Capstone, 2021—named a Best Book of 2021 by School Library Journal) on a journey to the center of the Earth in this fascinating, wonder-filled investigation of Earth’s layers. Illustrated cross-sections and additional nonfiction back matter about the scientific method make this narrative nonfiction a comprehensive and satisfying experience for young scientists.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Earth, Geology, Science, Ebooks

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2025

About the author

Kate Allen Fox is an award-winning children’s author from southern California. After working in public health, she combined her passions for science and the written word and began writing picture books that inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Her debut picture book, Pando, A Living Wonder of Trees, was published by Capstone in 2021 and named one of the best books of the year by School Library Journal and Chicago Public Library and a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Little, Brown will publish her second picture book, A Few Beautiful Minutes, in 2023, and Beaming Books will publish Solstice Wish in 2024. Her essays have appeared in several publications, including The New York Times and McSweeney’s. In addition to being a writer, Kate is a speaker, arts educator, and homeschooler. Find her online at kateallenfox.com or on Twitter and Instagram @kateallenfox.

Reviews

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Kate Allen Fox’s "Scratching the Surface" is a captivating introduction to Earth’s hidden layers. With poetic yet informative prose and vivid cross-sectional artwork by Erin Brown, it turns geology into a hands‑on adventure for kids.
The narrative framed around two children digging in the sand—sparks curiosity, while the back matter (glossary, author’s note, further reading) gives solid science grounding.
My only slight quibble is that for the young children this book is target for, the illustrations could have been bit more clear in understanding than some abstract art. Still, this beautifully and vividly illustrated gem stirs wonder and curiosity, perfect for young explorers and science‑loving families.

My NetGalley review

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title.

"Scratching the Surface" was a delight to read from beginning to end, and I was hooked by the line:

"Hidden inside our familiar planet are places unfamiliar and unforgiving, unseen and unsurvivable, unknown...but maybe not unknowable.

The author does a wonderful job of providing scientific facts with the truth that our earth is still very much a mystery. We know certain things to be true, but further scientific research most likely will prove us wrong in many ways. However, because of what we know about the earth, it's core, and the way each part works together to give us life, we have the ability to be human, which also includes making mistakes. The information is somewhat surface level, but leaves a lot of room for curiosity, and is a good introduction text for any young child who shows interest in learning more about what is under the Earth's surface.

This would make a great addition to any classroom/school library, and would be a wonderful supplemental/introductory text for an earth science unit. I will definitely be recommending this to my classroom teachers.

[Teri-K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming picture book about what we know - and don't know - about the earth's structure is one I wish I'd had when I was teaching! The illustrations practically force you to pick it up and look inside, and keep those pages turning. Their dramatic colors and variety drew me back several times after I'd finished, just to look at them more closely.

The text gives a simple introduction to the various layers that make up our earth and includes some details that will impress children. Did you realize, for instance, that the crust can reach 750 degrees, twice as hot as an oven baking cookies? That's an idea kids can relate to. I also appreciate the author pointing out that there's a lot we don't know about the earth, and our knowledge is always changing. The fact that scientists strive to learn more, but don't always get the facts right, is important for everyone to realize. And, as this book says, that leaves room for scientists of the future to correct our mistakes and add to our knowledge.

This is a lovely, informative, and useful book that deserves a place in schools, libraries, and homes.

Thank you to Capstone, the author, and NetGalley for making a copy of this available for me to review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Scratching the Surface" is a good book. I got it for my nephew from a local bookstore today, and I think he'll enjoy it. It has beautiful and clear illustrations throughout. It also gives a simple yet great overview of the layers of the Earth. It's been years since I've studied the topic, but it was fun to revisit it and author Kate Allen Fox kept it engaging and intriguing.

In addition, I like how Fox provides an overview of the scientific method at the end of the book. It's important not just for school but for life in general. It's good to set the foundation early. Moreover, I appreciate how Fox mentions that future scientific research can change our understanding (and possibly make the book's information outdated). This is very true. There is so much we have yet to learn and I love how this book encourages curiosity.

This is a cool book, and I'm excited to gift it to my nephew.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Scratching the Surface by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Erin Brown

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished reading Scratching the Surface by Kate Allen Fox, and I absolutely loved it! From the moment I saw the striking cover, I knew this book was something special. It’s a beautifully crafted journey beneath our feet that blends poetic storytelling with fascinating science, making geology feel like an exciting exploration rather than just facts on a page.

The story follows two curious children digging in the sand, which is such a relatable and engaging way to introduce young readers to the layers of the Earth. Kate Allen Fox’s writing strikes a wonderful balance—her words are lyrical and inviting, yet packed with scientific insight. Erin Brown’s illustrations add so much life to the book, with vivid, detailed cross-sections that allow readers to visualize what lies beneath the surface.

What I especially appreciated was how the book doesn’t just stop at explaining known facts; it also embraces the mysteries that science hasn’t yet solved, encouraging kids to wonder and ask questions. The additional nonfiction sections at the end—like the glossary, author’s note, and suggestions for further reading—provide a great foundation for young scientists eager to dive deeper.

Overall, Scratching the Surface is a captivating and beautifully illustrated gem that sparks curiosity and a love for discovery. It’s perfect for families and educators looking to inspire young explorers with a hands-on adventure into Earth science. Highly recommended!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introductory book about the layers of the earth. We start out with two kids digging in the sand as we learn that the crust is just the very top of all of the layers of the earth. We see gorgeous cross-sectional illustrations with some of the possible things that could be seen beneath our feet.

I love how the book not only explains the basics of what we do know about Earth's layers, but it also talks about how we learned those facts. The book continues to explain how we don't know everything because we can't actually get to or survive those layers but science is always learning as new information and technologies develop, we continue to learn more.

Sometimes the information seemed to grow a bit beyond what it appeared was the target age for the book. For example, plate tectonics are hard to understand, and in this case, there were no graphics to help support what they are or how they work. It is a great starting point, but I can see even more questions coming from the book that were not fully explained. Many of the books on Earth's layers show the same or similar illustrations, so these cartoonish representations were a refreshing new twist. Students who may not be into geology or science might pick this up just for the beautiful pictures and learn something new.

Great book for an elementary or even middle-grade classroom.

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquisitive children with a fascination for science will relish this genuinely educational children's picture book. Kate Allen Fox writes impeccably and will have young minds clamoring to absorb the information she provides along with the story she narrates to entertain her readers. Scratching The Surface is filled with pages of descriptive illustrations to help provide clearer insights and deeper analysis of the information she supplies.

Teachers and children's department librarians should be ordering copies of this book as soon as it becomes available! This is a wonderful accompaniment for educational resources for science class essays and science fair projects. Individual classroom reading time would ideally be filled with young students reading through pages of books such as Scratching the Surface by Kate Allen Fox.

Scratching The Surface explains all about how the earth is composed including the layers and how they are identified. The author provides descriptive analysis of what the earth's layers are composed of, how scientists study each layer and the many wonderful defining characteristics. At the conclusion of this book, the author provides a delightful author's note, a glossary of terms, and a detailed list of the steps of the Scientific Method.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter into the world beneath the surface where we play, and farm, and enjoy parks and more.
This is an exciting book that goes deeply from the surface, down through the layers of earth and
many of the things that we have already learned about the astounding things that exist beneath our feet. This STEM book includes a reminder of what is the scientific method and includes a glossary and a bibliography to encourage further study.
The illustrations by Erin Brown are simply perfect and in bright colors that make their meanings clear.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected readers' proof on Thorium PDF from Capstone | Capstone Editions via NetGalley. ***** review #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph @childrensbookcouncil
##ScratchingtheSurface by @kateallenfox and @erinbrownillo #NetGalley @capstonepub #childrensbookillustration #kidlit #BooksForKids #scratchingthesurface #learningthroughbooks #geologyforkids #kidlitart #kidlitSTEM #bookstagrammer #readaloud #kidsbookstagram #picturebooks #picturebookrecommendations #bookswelove #kidsbooks #picturebooksofinstagram #librarian #librarylove

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Allen Fox does it again with her latest NF PB, Scratching the Surface! Her lyrical words combined with lovely illustrations by Erin Brown invite the youngest budding geologists, archaeologists, and nature lovers to explore with curiosity what sits underneath our feet. Fox does a great job of simplifying a complex topic, explaining the Earth's layers and making it relatable to young readers is no easy feat. "We learn as the temperature goes up the farther down we go, reaching up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit-twice as hot as an oven baking cookies."

Each of the layers are fascinating to learn about too. Learning how scientific methods are used to explain how the layers have been explored by scientists because no human can survive entering these deep layers at all. The Earth is framed as still a mystery with so much yet to explore, and just scratching the surface of what we know. And it's okay that we try, fail, and try again. Keep asking more questions even if we get it wrong.

This book is a perfect addition to classrooms studying Earth Science, libraries, and home schoolers. So get your readers outdoors, shovels in hand, dig in, and begin by scratching the surface!

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I think children would be engaged and curious from beginning to end. I thought the facts were pretty interesting. While I read, I was not paying attention to the illustrations because I was so intrigued. I had to go back to get a better look. The illustrations are colorful and fun, while also being informative. I thought they offered a simple visual for young minds. I think this book could be read to younger and older children, and all could gain some something from the illustrations and text. I think the text contains some deeper knowledge, but is simple enough and to the point younger children would understand. Overall, I thought this book was great! I will be adding it to my 2nd grade classroom library!

Thank you Kate Allen Fox and Capstone Editions for for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally books that are like this one would be boring and too dense with information to be an effective nonfiction kids' book. However, this is a five-star review so that obviously isn't the case for this specific book. So, then, what was the difference?
This book's *uniqueness*. The central topic of this book isn't one you see often in kids' books. Sure, there's an awful lot of archaeology books and rock books, but none about the layers of the Earth. On top of that (see what I did there?), this book covered more about the Earth's levels than I knew about, and it was fascinating. To me, this indicates that it will be eye-opening and extra interesting to read for little ones. Lastly, the illustrator did a fantastic job of helping readers visualize the information on every page. It's clear that the illustrator and writer worked very hand-in-hand to make a complete and rich book for kids. Bravo!

[Joey Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Capstone and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

A very informative book, I didn’t know that much about the earths surfaces or what things scientists have done to uncover information, so it was very fascinating reading the book and learning so much about it. What makes it up, how deep they are and It was very educational.

The illustrations throughout were great to look at, giving you a great idea to what it looked like at its varying layers, what things lay beneath the surfaces I really liked looking at them as I was reading and learning.

This would certainly be a good helpful book for educators, it’s a great science book on our planet, on what is actually below our planet. It also shared how to hold an experiment yourself which is so helpful for young readers. A great science book that will not just educate but also entertain as it’s so fun to look at and read.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

But that's the great thing about science.
We learn, and we guess, and we try, and we fail, and we try again.
We hope to be right more often than we're wrong.
It's a lot like being human.

- Scratching the Surface, 72.00%

Education and informative to learn about our earth surfaces and beyond.
This book is really good for kids in the early middle grade. My son is 4 years old, so he could only enjoy the illustrations. I tried to read it with the simplified story for him, and I think he understood it. He asked more about diamonds because it was mentioned in this book. I counted it as a win because as long as my son enjoys the book, that means the book is good for him. To be honest, it was me who enjoyed this book more. I missed my science class back in school, and this book made me realize that no matter how old you are, you could always learn.

Thank you to Kate Allen Fox, Capstone Publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Srujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an utter delight to read. It introduces the concepts in a simple and age-appropriate manner, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary grades. My 4 year olds have little to no background in geology, but they loved sitting with me and reading, looking at the pictures until the last page. We have read about the top soil before, but beyond that, getting deeper into the book, we found more details about the crust, the mantle and the core. The snippet about Kola Super Borehole had them excited and they asked me so many questions about it. My son was disappointed when I said they have stopped digging the Borehole at the moment. He was all charged up to resume the digging as soon as he was old enough! The detailed and eye catching illustrations only add to the engagement with little one. They were mesmerized to know that our earth's crust and mantle has minerals and more elements in it. When I mentioned mining those elements, their eyes lit up with curiosity. May be this is our sign to get a book about mining. I also like the the book has a lyrical feel to it when read. The sentences flowed one after the other and it didn't feel like I was reading a drab non-fiction packed with trivia. This had a soothing feel so we could do it at bedtime too! This and more makes the book a good addition to a school library for little ones.

📌 Capstone Publishing, Kate Allen Fox and NetGalley kindly let me read a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. My sincere thanks for the opportunity. My opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Is. An. Instant. Favorite! This book is so beautifully illustrated and a fun way to learn about the Earth’s layers. Although my 3-year-old tends to prefer browsable nonfiction books (and I can’t blame him since it’s also my favorite genre), he absolutely LOVED this picture book.

The book does an excellent job of balancing scientific information with a playful tone. I loved the inclusion of the facts and numbers alongside the engaging narrative. My son lit up when he encountered the extra facts like the Earth's temperature at different depths. It’s a perfect balance that feeds his thirst for these types of facts while keeping him engaged.

This book is a delightful blend of education and fun, and another great addition to the bookshelf of our Earth-loving kiddo.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrations by Erin Brown are intriguing and exciting throughout the book, but it was the cover art and the end pages that drew me inside. Fox's text is accentuated with questions that are emphasised as being so very important to scientific research. While explaining what is known and unknown about the crust and the mantle and the core, there are many references to known things. I like the fact boxes that will be read by students who want more information. (I was always one of those kids.) I love the back matter which includes the author's note, glossary, further information, and the Scientific Method explained with just enough detail for budding scientists yet succinct enough to engage any reader. I will need to add this book to both of my elementary school collections. It is just lovely!

[The Unschoolers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 10/10 recommend for kids who are interested in earth layers, anyone looking for a gorgeous non-fiction picture book, or any homeschooling family/classroom! We absolutely loved this one and the kids were GLUED to the screen to look at all the pictures. There's plenty of info on each page without being overwhelming (the main "story" and then some extra facts if you want more depth). Earth layers are presented in an easy to follow way and we I loved how the previous layers were labeled on subsequent images, definitely helped my 7yo remember the order. Absolutely will be one that I purchase to add to our homeschool shelves!

Arc from NetGalley

[Ember Air · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing and felt like an episode of The Magic School Bus, both the story and the illustrations which were very engaging. Readers travel underneath the grass and dirt to learn what our planet is made up of. I’ve read several children’s books on this subject, and this one is definitely the best.
The information is incredibly up to date and is shared in a fun and inviting way. I love how the author explains that science and knowledge grows, learns, and changes, just like a child growing up. So what we know today will be different in the future and is different than what was the most up to date knowledge/understanding in the past.

[Eija · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this breakdown of what scientists know about the earths layers as well as some of the mysteries. The asides with more in depth information and facts was a nice addition to the lyrical text. The illustrations are really accessible and show scientific and geological information easily and there’s a diverse range of characters exploring the natural world and scientists.

In the back-matter, I thought the inclusion of the scientific method was really nice— especially because the book addresses how much we’ve learned recently about the earths layers, and even questions that we don’t yet have answers to.

This would be a great addition to classroom libraries!

[TAreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Allex Fox does a brilliant job with this picture book! There is so much knowledge and facts to absorb in this beautifully illustrated book! The pacing of the text is simple, the facts shared are not overwhelming, and the respective diagrams, along with the richly-colored illustrations by Erin Brown, with so many details, bring the whole book together beautifully! I loved this and learned a lot of new things about the Earth and its crust. There is also an activity page and a glossary to continue discussions about the surface of the Earth!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[chelsea reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scratching the Surface is an excellent book filled with an abundance of information and colorful illustrations.

Including a lot of factual information about the Earth, while also putting it into perspective with information that children will already know (eg, comparing the earths core temperature to baking cookies). I really enjoyed how the author also mentioned that there’s still a lot we don’t know. There’s a lot of room for children to explore their curiosity, as a lot of the info is surface level to adults.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations and the way the information is present in a straightforward but fun way. I loved how the concept of the scientific method is shown here as it discusses how we are continually learning new information and what we knew previously may be proven wrong. I also love how it emphasizes just how massive our earth. Very cool to consider.

For those who want to know, evolution is not discussed in the body of the text but is addressed in the author's note at the end.

Thanks to Capstone for the digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Allen Fox has a gift for making topics accessible, interesting, and magical. All her books display her mastery of the written word, and this book is no different. I’m happy today’s kids get to read books like this about the earth and I’m a bit jealous that they did not exist when I was young! SCRATCHING THE SURFACE will captivate children in the very best way possible…a way that encourages reading about and learning cool facts about our amazing planet. Erin Brown’s art compliments Kate’s words in such a gorgeous way. Well done!

[Naomi Gruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE is a picture book that's an invitation to learn about Earth, starting with two kids building a sandcastle and then wondering what's inside a hole. Easily digestible information about the Earth's crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core along with other elements is combined with cool facts for older kids. Kate Allen Fox's text combines beautifully with illustrations by Erin Brown to create an educational resource for different ages, complete with interesting and informative backmatter.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great beginner's guide to Earth! In attractive layout and inviting prose, author Fox takes readers exploring and provides facts about Earth's crust, mantle, and core. Each spread contains lyrical text ("Earth's first layer, the crust, begins beneath our feet, where worms wriggle and writhe.") and a small box of scientific facts. Readers of all ages will enjoy poring over the pages to find the many treasures illustrator Erin Brown has put beneath Earth's surface. The book ends by summarizing the scientific method and encouraging a sense of wonder.

[Brynn Sowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for teachers and children interested in exploring the layers of the Earth. The descriptions are kid friendly and informative. The illustrations are lovely and a great visual. I love how the author encourages students to wonder and think like scientists. She is candid that science changes as new discoveries are made and encourages children to become to scientists to discover new things.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written and illustrated non-fiction picture book about the earth's many layers. The author and illustrator present scientific facts in a way that's clear, engaging, and completely accessible to young readers. With lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, this book is perfect for curious kids who love digging in the dirt, asking big questions, and exploring the wonders beneath their feet.

[Laurie Kutscera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!
I absolutely loved this book!

Author Kate Fox’s lyrical journey to the earth’s core more than scratches the surface. Easy to follow layers of information, not only within the text, but in the sidebars and included backmatter will appeal to readers young and old. Erin Brown’s engaging illustrations are filled with delightful details. An excavators dream! A fascinating topic that would be a welcome addition to every classroom and library!

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely introduction for kids about the earth's layers - Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core. I learned something, for sure! Would suit dinosaur lovers as well as any budding scientists you regularly read to. The age range from the publisher is 2nd - 4th grade (7 - 10) but this could work well with highly motivated younger kids especially if you can use a prop. And it does induce wonder -- how amazing that inside, earth is as hot at the sun!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative and kept my son’s interest. It also sparked up a discussion about planets, volcanoes, and the earth. After we were done reading my son continued to talk for a solid 3 hours about different things referenced in the book. This book definitely peaked his imagination, creativity, and desire to learn more about science that he didn’t already know.