The Deepest Dig - by Mark David Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Inspired by a real-life 2015 discovery by a farmer in Michigan, this is a story about a boy named Caden who digs up a prehistoric woolly mammoth skeleton in his backyard. A recent heavy rain has exposed a bit of something in the yard, which Caden notices and resolves to dig up. He attempts to enlist the help of the adults in his life, who humorously dismiss his discovery. His classroom teacher jokes, "If you had found one of those, I'd eat my hat." Well, against all odds Caden has found "one of those," namely the bones of a woolly mammoth. And the story does wrap with some hat-eating (albeit with a twist). Martha, Caden's next-door neighbor, is the only adult who encourages him to keep digging. Working together and using Martha's truck winch, they haul the biggest bones out of the earth and try to assemble the pieces, which results in several funny combinations. In the end, Caden succeeds in getting his parents' attention, and they're amazed by the giant mammoth skeleton inexpertly pieced together in their own backyard. Even more so, they're amazed and impressed by the tenacity and drive of their young son. Not only has he connected the pieces of the mammoth, Caden has also brought his family together, which is the real treasure Caden finds by the end. The rich-but-restrained illustrations perfectly complement the book's deadpan humor in this kid-empowering story that is also a celebration of scientific inquiry and discovery."--

Book Synopsis

Inspired by a true story! A tenacious kid digs deep and makes important discoveries

After a heavy rain exposes a bit of something in his backyard, Caden resolves to dig the treasure up and find out exactly what it is. He tries to enlist the help of his parents and teacher, who are dismissive and disbelieving--but that doesn't deter Caden from his goal.

Caden's next-door neighbor, Martha, is the only adult who encourages him to keep digging. Working together, they unearth Caden's discovery: the giant bones of a prehistoric woolly mammoth! After comically misassembling the massive skeleton, Caden attracts everyone's attention with his discovery--and finds another treasure in bringing his family together.

Rich yet simple illustrations accompany this funny, kid-empowering story that celebrates scientific inquiry and is based on a true discovery.

Review Quotes

"The Deepest Dig encourages children to dig deep, whether it's into their curiosity, science, research or any passion."

-- "CanLit for Little Canadians"

"An excellent addition to any library, especially for young (or older) people interested in paleontology. For those who aren't, it will get them interested in what is going on in their own backyards."

-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"Clever and colorful illustrations ... add considerable charm to the story. [The narrative] teeters between the believable and the fantastic."

-- "School Library Journal"

"The sparely told tale, inspired by a similar actual discovery, may in turn inspire young readers to take closer looks at their own supposedly familiar surroundings."-- "Kirkus Reviews"