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What a Rock Can Reveal: Where They Come From And What They Tell Us About Our Planet
An illustrated, informative introduction to the wonders of rocks and minerals and what they can tell us about our planet. Science writer and geologist Maya Wei-Haas introduces young readers to the fascinating world of rocks through the art of observation. Starting with a friendly question-and-answer format, she explores the diversity of rocks and minerals and how a rock’s shape, color, or texture help to tell the stories of how it was formed, where it comes from, and the incredible journeys it has had. This hands-on introduction reveals how rocks are time capsules of our planet’s past, recording the thrilling events that once built Earth’s incredible geology. The second in a series of scientifically engaging books that explore the natural world through everyday objects found in nature, this book follows on from the global children’s bestseller, What a Shell Can Tell. The text and illustrations expand on a child’s natural instinct to collect things, nurturing their interest and curiosity by giving them simple observation skills that will help them to explore the connections between objects found in nature, the wider environment, and Earth’s history. Ages 6-9
48 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 9, 2024
Rocks become anything but boring in a read, which will have young readers looking at the ground a little closer than before.
This book is all about rocks and covers a broad spread of directions in a relatively quick read. Starting with a few common rocks, their names, and what they look like, the book than takes a deeper dive into rock traits and facts. Everything from the composition of granite to rock formation to the use of rocks in households to their presence in space hits these pages. And more. It builds an appreciation for the importance and presence of minerals in nature and life...and even hits some directions readers might not have considered before.
While running through various facts and information, the author keeps the journey from growing dull. The text is pretty concise and does a good job at staying at the intended audience level. While the concentration remains on science, the tone speaks with the reader and gives it a more personal feel. Familiar situations are also built in, when appropriate, to help demonstrate how rocks affect everyone's lives, and it does so in a more relaxed and light approach. The illustrations make sure the information sits and helps to demonstrate what is mentioned in the text, but they also portray familiar scenes, which inspire readers to head outdoors and enjoy the fun. One section awakens the travel-bug as it shows some of the amazing places in the world, which are formed by minerals.
This is a well-done read about rocks and minerals, which hits a wide variety of topics in an engaging way. Of course, rock fans will enjoy this one, but it reaches beyond that to hit a larger span of interests. While it doesn't make the best read-aloud for group settings, it's great for classrooms and homeschoolers to explore. But even individual readers will enjoy this one.
I received a DRC and enjoyed learning more about the world around us.
This book is all about rocks and covers a broad spread of directions in a relatively quick read. Starting with a few common rocks, their names, and what they look like, the book than takes a deeper dive into rock traits and facts. Everything from the composition of granite to rock formation to the use of rocks in households to their presence in space hits these pages. And more. It builds an appreciation for the importance and presence of minerals in nature and life...and even hits some directions readers might not have considered before.
While running through various facts and information, the author keeps the journey from growing dull. The text is pretty concise and does a good job at staying at the intended audience level. While the concentration remains on science, the tone speaks with the reader and gives it a more personal feel. Familiar situations are also built in, when appropriate, to help demonstrate how rocks affect everyone's lives, and it does so in a more relaxed and light approach. The illustrations make sure the information sits and helps to demonstrate what is mentioned in the text, but they also portray familiar scenes, which inspire readers to head outdoors and enjoy the fun. One section awakens the travel-bug as it shows some of the amazing places in the world, which are formed by minerals.
This is a well-done read about rocks and minerals, which hits a wide variety of topics in an engaging way. Of course, rock fans will enjoy this one, but it reaches beyond that to hit a larger span of interests. While it doesn't make the best read-aloud for group settings, it's great for classrooms and homeschoolers to explore. But even individual readers will enjoy this one.
I received a DRC and enjoyed learning more about the world around us.
March 1, 2024
It’s the cover and illustrations that will draw young readers to What a Rock Can Reveal, but it’s the informative text that will keep them engaged.
What a Rock Can Reveal is the second book in a series of scientific books that explore the natural world through everyday objects found in nature. What A Shell Can Tell, by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido, was published June 2022.
What a Rock Can Reveal asks kids to do what they naturally do — explore. It begins with asking them to take a closer look at the rocks they come across and builds from there. Each turn of the page provides something new, and it’s all fascinating.
Author Maya Wei-Haas has done an excellent job balancing informative with accessible. She makes the more mundane aspects interesting and holds interest throughout. Illustrator Sonia Pulido creates almost photographic representation of rocks and minerals while still creating a sense of movement and flow throughout.
What a Rock Can Reveal has broad appeal. It would be a great classroom resource as well as a beloved book for budding geologists.
What a Rock Can Reveal is the second book in a series of scientific books that explore the natural world through everyday objects found in nature. What A Shell Can Tell, by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido, was published June 2022.
What a Rock Can Reveal asks kids to do what they naturally do — explore. It begins with asking them to take a closer look at the rocks they come across and builds from there. Each turn of the page provides something new, and it’s all fascinating.
Author Maya Wei-Haas has done an excellent job balancing informative with accessible. She makes the more mundane aspects interesting and holds interest throughout. Illustrator Sonia Pulido creates almost photographic representation of rocks and minerals while still creating a sense of movement and flow throughout.
What a Rock Can Reveal has broad appeal. It would be a great classroom resource as well as a beloved book for budding geologists.
March 7, 2024
This is a well written, engaging book that covers the breadth of geology in our world and beyond. It is written in a clear and concise manner that kids will find fun and informative. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful and clear in exposition. I give my highest recommendation for this great book.
September 22, 2024
Have no problem admitting that I learned a lot about rocks from this book! Describes different types of rocks and how they are formed. Detailed illustrations show you what the rocks look like. I took a geology class in college; that was last time I looked into rocks and how they are formed. I think I learned more from this book than from that class!
March 26, 2024
This book was perfect my rock-loving kiddos. The illustrations are gorgeous and the writing is clear and informative. It reminds me of the books about rocks and geology I loved as a kid, except this version is much more comprehensive and kid friendly!
February 10, 2025
Well-drawn and informative book about all the things rocks can tell us: about their composition, their origins, ancient fossils, etc. I liked that it ended on an accessible note telling kids to look around their own homes for all the rock-based things we use to build our houses.
December 19, 2025
Very engaging! Great rock/earth facts and great art.
March 7, 2024
This is a well written, engaging book that covers the breadth of geology in our world and beyond. It is written in a clear and concise manner that kids will find fun and informative. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful and clear in exposition. I give my highest recommendation for this great book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews