Life in a Bucket of Soil

by Alvin Silverstein, Virginia B. Silverstein, Elsie Wrigley (Illustrator)

The soil in forests, meadows, and fields — even in vacant city lots or your own backyard — swarms with countless tiny creatures, most of which are born, struggle for life, and die just beneath the earth’s surface. In fact, you can find a bountiful sampling of these underground inhabitants simply by filling a bucket with soil. The small animals you’re likely to find are vividly described in this fascinating, easy-to-read book, specially designed to acquaint you with a vast, living world beneath your feet.
You’ll learn about tunnel-building earthworms; threadlike, wriggly roundworms; snails and slugs (the “slime gliders”); armored scavengers such as wood lice and centipedes; “flying tanks,” more commonly known as beetles; lurking hunters such as spiders; the busy underground colonies of ants; and numerous other inhabitants of the soil. You’ll find out how these diminutive animals live, breed, and interact; learn about their methods of locomotion, feeding, and defense; and even discover how they affect the soil in which they live. The authors also provide helpful suggestions for collecting specimens and explain how they can be preserved and studied.
Illustrated with more than 70 detailed black-and-white drawings, this fact-filled book will introduce you to an amazing subterranean world most people never even think about. It is sure to appeal to young naturalists, junior biologist, insect lovers, and anyone curious about the natural world.

Genres: Science

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Alvin Silverstein grew up in Brooklyn, the youngest son of an immigrant family who emphasized hard work and education. After graduating from Brooklyn College, he went to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he got a Master's degree in chemistry and met his wife, author Virginia B. Silverstein. He got his Ph.D. at NYU while teaching at the College of Staten Island. He ultimately became a Professor of Biology there and also Director of the Physician Assistant program, while coauthoring books with his wife and, later, two of their children as well.

Reviews

[Kevin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all who depend on the soil, which includes you!

A delightful introduction to the complex web of life beneath our feet. An enjoyable introduction to an essentially invisible world, for children of all ages. At 79, the boy who lives on in me, and loves nature, was enthralled. Kevin Thomas Morgan

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent 95 page book that clearly explains how individual soil creatures operate. Earthworms roundworms snails and slugs would love centipedes and millipedes springtails spiders mites Beatles ants

[Terralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful quick read about the life that lives in soil. Each section is a short introduction into various animals. It inspired me to learn more!

[Haikon]

I didn't give this book a rating, because eventhough it was well done, and faultless, it's a young adult nonfiction book from 1972.