Rocks & Minerals Books

Looking at Rocks (My First Field Guides)

Jennifer Dussling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A good beginning rock book 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

This is an excellent beginning book on the basics of rocks. It describes the different kinds of rocks, tells how they are formed, and gives descriptions of various rocks. The back contains a section for "field notes" where a young collector can keep a record of rocks collected. I read this to my five year old granddaughter and she enjoyed it very much and we both learned a lot. It would be appropriate for an older child also. Good science presently in a clear manner.

Not what I thought 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

It's ok - I like the stickers with the different names and pictures of rocks. It is much smaller than I thought it would be. It also seems to have a little too many words and too few pictures for the age group I was expecting it to be for. After Christmas I'll know for sure if my nephew will ever look at it.

Rock Field Guide "rocks" 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is great and very informative. It is easy to read and look info up in--any age could understand it. This book really "rocks"!!

Editorial Review:

From their backyard to the local bank, rock hounds can identify common rocks wherever they go-all on their own!

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)

Byrd Baylor

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great for Earth Science teachers! 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I teach 6th grade and one of the things we learn about is rocks. I bought this book based on the reviews, but after reading it I felt compelled to write one too. I try to get my students excited about rock collecting. This book is so simple, yet so inspiring. It begins by saying "I'm sorry for kids who only have tricycles, bicycles, horses, elephants, goldfish, three-room playhouses, fire engines, wind-up dragons and things like that - if they don't have a rock for a friend." It then goes on to list 10 simple rules for finding your rock...not just any rock. A rock that you will keep forever. The rules include where to find your rock and remember "You should choose your rock when everything is quiet. Don't let dogs bark at you or bees buzz at you." The book concedes, "Don't get a rock that is too big. You'll always be sorry. It won't fit in your right hand and it won't fit in your pocket. A rock as big as an apple is too big. A rock as big as a horse is MUCH too big." This is the perfect book to get your rock collectors started and excited about geology.

Editorial Review:

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Rocks and Minerals (Eye Wonder)

DK Publishing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Perfect for young children. 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

My son is six years old and this book captivated him for a good four nights, a few pages a night, for his bedtime story. It is very visually appealing with vividly colored pictures and thick glossy pages. It is written very well, easy for a young child to understand, yet filled with information about rocks and minerals. I have to read it to my child as he's not an independent reader yet, but an independent reader would also really enjoy this book. It is made for children but not at all "babyish." A great way to either learn about rocks and minerals, or introduce a child to non fiction.

I'm very impressed with this book and will be purchasing more DK Eye Wonder titles. I've looked at their other titles and they all look like wonderful books.

Editorial Review:

Eye Wonder Rocks and Minerals introduces geologic elements to budding scientists -- Did you know that the amount of gold in any material is measured in carats and that 24-carat gold is pure gold? Find out facts like this and much more in this fascinating guide to rocks and minerals.

Let's Go Rock Collecting (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science. Stage 2)

Roma Gans

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( K ) -> Keller, Holly

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Top Grade! 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Let's Go Rock Collecting is an excellent book in the Let's Read and Find Out Science Series. My son started with this book when he was 4 (he's now 5). It has great illustrations that capture a child's attention and actual photos of the various rocks described so that the child (and parent) can identify a few basic rocks.

One thing that is really great about this book is the simple illustrations to educate the reader about the Earth's Crust and Solid Rock Layer. There are simple diagrams of:

1. The components of a Volcano
2. Moh's Scale of hardness
3. The formation of sedimentary rocks
4. Metamorphic rock process

The book also ends with a practical suggestion that kids will love and that's how to begin your own rock collection and start to identify the rocks you have.

NOTE: Depending on your view of the age of the earth, you may like to know that this book utilizes millions of years in its descriptions.

Editorial Review:

Holly Keller has created vivacious new paintings for this favorite Reading Rainbow title about geology. Readers follow two enthusiastic rock hounds around the globe as they add to their collection. Along the way they will learn how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are formed. From the Egyptian pyramids to Roman roads, from the diamond ring on your finger to the pebbles under your feet'rocks are everywhere!

Crystal and Gem (DK Eyewitness Books)

R.F. Symes, R.R. Harding

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> Nature -> Rocks & Minerals

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A VISUAL FEAST! 5 out of 5 stars.
33 of 35 people found this review helpful.

The photographs of OVER 200 CRYSTALS AND GEMS is worth the purchase price of this book. And I am not just talking about ANY picture of each crystal, I am talking about a GORGEOUS, AMAZING sample picture of each crystal! Some of my favorite photographs/stones included are: Opals (My personal favorite stone ok, tied with Diamond!), Aragonite, Agate, Tourmaline, Calcite, Topaz, Barite, Hematite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, The Blue Hope Diamond, Ruskin's Ruby, Moonstone, Spodumene, Blende, Natural Mosaic, Malachite, Gold, Mother-of-Pearl, Turquoise....I could go on forever!

Here are the chapters: WHAT IS A CRYSTAL? A WORLD OF CRYSTALS, NATURAL BEAUTY, CRYSTALS-OUTSIDE, ...AND INSIDE, THE COLOR OF CRYSTALS, IDENTIFICATION, NATURAL GROWTH, GOOD HABITS, DISCOVERY-RECOVERY, GROWING FROM SEED, CRYSTALS AT WORK, GOOD VIBRATIONS, QUARTZ, DIAMOND, CORUNDUM, BERYL, OPAL, OTHER GEMSTONES, COLLECTORS' ITEMS, STONES FOR CARVING, PRECIOUS METALS, ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE, WHAT IS IT WORTH?, MAKING THEM SPARKLE, LORE AND LEGENDS, CRYSTALS AT HOME AND INDEX.

This is a must-own if you have any interest in the marvelous beauty of crystals and gems. Not only are the photographs great but the information is succinct and fascinating! I highly recommend this book along with any other of the 109 in the Eyewitness series! Talk about something for everyone! Thanks Dr. Symes and Dr. Harding! Wow!

Editorial Review:

Some of the most popular selections from the formidable Eyewitness backlist are now available with a clip-art CD included-with no increase in price!

Geology Rocks!: 50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Earth (Kaleidoscope Kids)

Cindy Blobaum

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Rocks Rock! 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 19 people found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful introduction to concepts for your young geologist as well as a great place to find ideas for activities and experiements to aid her in her exploration of the earth! I've seen some of the activities presented in this book before, but several were new to me. The text is written in a witty manner, yet still provides a wealth of information.

Familiar Territory 3 out of 5 stars.
18 of 24 people found this review helpful.

I've looked over the book, and a friend who teaches science from ages 6-14 read it. It covers a lot of familiar territory found in other books. There were very few interesting or unusual new ideas presented. It would take more than presented here to get a young student interested in geology.

Editorial Review:

This title is suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. Dig into our ever-changing earth and discover how geology rocks your world every day. Explore planet Earth from its red-hot center to the top of the tallest volcano (and on into outer space!). Dig in, build, and create all things geologic with hands, mind, and feet. Be in charge of your own thoughts, ideas, and actions about the earth and how we use its treasures. For sure, you'll never feel the same about the pebble in your shoe, the pencil in your desk, or the coins jingling in your pocket.

If You Find a Rock

Peggy Christian

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Seeing the World through a Child's Eyes 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

What a marvelous book. It grabs and hold your interest and the interest of my 1, 3, and 6 year old. We borrowed this from the library and today I am purchasing it online. This well written book shows the joy of rocks. Most of us have at one time or another have kicked a rock in front of us. Now you can learn why! Many of us have sat on a rock and now we see why it was such a perfect place to sit. Introduce your children to the wonders of the world around them with this exceptional book. Now I am on a mission to find any other books by this author. This is not a rock identification book, but rather a book that teaches observation and appreciation of rocks.

Editorial Review:

Think of all the rocks there are: skipping rocks, splashing rocks, climbing rocks, and wishing rocks. Children can’t help collecting them. With joyful, poetic text and luminous photographs, If You Find a Rock celebrates rocks everywhere—as well as the mysterious and wonderful places they are found.

The Story of Salt

Mark Kurlansky

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Entertaining history 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

A deceptively easy and entertaining read, this book is filled with fascinating information, such as:

Whoever controls the world's salt supply is the superpower (right now it's the US!)

Salt is necessary to the functioning of our bodies--which is part of why early humans ate meat (and why we still crave salty pretzels).

Roads in many places in America wind so much because of the meanderings of animals in search of salt.

The research seems thorough (not my area of expertise but it has the ring of truth to it) and the facts are well-presented. Nice illustrations, too.

I was initially put off by the title "The Story of Salt"--yikes, that sounded dull. And in the hands of someone else it might have been. This is such an enjoyable read I'll be looking for anything else by this author.

Editorial Review:

From the team that created the ALA Notable Book The Cod’s Tale comes the fascinating history of salt, which has been the object of wars and revolutions and is vital for life.

Based on Mark Kurlansky’s critically acclaimed bestseller Salt: A World History, this handsome picture book explores every aspect of salt: The many ways it’s gathered from the earth and sea; how ancient emperors in China, Egypt, and Rome used it to keep their subjects happy; Why salt was key to the Age of Exploration; what salt meant to the American Revolution; And even how the search for salt eventually led to oil. Along the way, you’ll meet a Celtic miner frozen in salt, learn how to make ketchup, and even experience salt’s finest hour: Gandhi’s famous Salt March.

Rocky Road Trip (The Magic School Bus Chapter Book #20) : Rocks & Minerals (Magic School Bus)

Judith Stamper

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great Chapter Book 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Magic School Bus series are excellent books for young readers. My son loves them and loves to learn new facts about the world around him. When your child is ready to start reading chapter books, this is a great choice.

Editorial Review:

When Carlos brings a mystery rock to school, he hopes Ms. Frizzle will tell him what kind of rock it is. But the Friz doesn't like to tell when she can show....That's how the class ends up on a wild rock hunt in the Wild West, trying to solve a mineral mystery! They take a stagecoach ride, pan for precious gems, and even explore an old mine. Sure, the going gets a little rough at times--but this road trip rocks!

Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, and Rough (Amazing Science)

Rosinsky, Natalie M

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

10 stars 5 out of 5 stars.
19 of 19 people found this review helpful.

Introduces igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The writing is simple and remarkably concise for a book aimed at this age group. For example, "Rocks form in three ways. In the first way, melted rock bubbles up from inside the earth. Then it cools down and becomes hard igneous rock." Colorful and friendly looking book layout. Includes a rock chart, activities and an introduction to Mohs Hardness Scale. There is also a glossary, bibliography, & index. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review

Editorial Review:

Smooth or sparkly? Soft or sandy? Learn about the features of rocks and how they are formed.