How the Earth Works
© DK Children
How the Earth Works, a geoscience book aimed at children, introduces many topics, including how the world was mapped, Earth’s different layers, and tectonic plates.
My favourite part of the book is seeing how everything on our planet is one big puzzle. I hadn’t ever realised that this was how people made discoveries about Earth and plate tectonics. It is interesting because this seems like such a simple way of doing things, when it is actually a complicated process. My favourite fact from the book is that different fossils can be found of the same plant and animal types on different continents, which is surprising! I think the best illustration in the book is on pages 70-71, which shows the world split in half and as there was another planet next to it, this helped to show the contrasts between that one and Earth.
The author, Lucía Pérez-Díaz, explained how high and low temperatures can be measured within Earth’s layers particularly well. The way she included short and simple facts really helped with my understanding. I enjoyed the catchy titles for each section too, which allowed me to find and take in what she wanted to explain.
The book linked to my school geology lessons well because it explains a lot about climate change, how the Earth works and how natural disasters are caused. If I could add one more thing to the book though, it would be a section about the history of the world, like the Ice Age and how this impacted the planet. This would have been interesting to read about, in terms of how animals were affected and managed to survive.
How the Earth Works made me think more about how humanity has severely impacted the world in dramatic ways. This book would be perfect for students and children who like pictures, variety, and a factual exploration of key ideas.
Reviewed by Lana Lo (aged 14)
Details
BY: Lucía Pérez-Díaz (2025). Dorling Kindersley. 80pp. hbk.
ISBN: 9780241685464
PRICE: £16.99 learning.dk.com
