Everything Rocks and Minerals

Rocks and Minerals are a favorite science topic in many households. This book from National Geographic Kids is full of interesting information about rocks and minerals. It contains plenty of photos, information, and fun trivia. This isn't just for reference; there are some cool geology activities, too. You will learn the differences between rocks and minerals, their uses, their formation, how they break down, and have some fun growing minerals and making your own fossils. There are interactive pages where you are to match gemstones in their natural state with finished gems and locate items made of stone that you might encounter on a daily basis. You will learn interesting trivia like how many stone blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid, which stone floats, or at what temperature diamonds vaporize. The photographer is Carsten Peter who is an "extreme photographer." You will see photos of caves and caverns, lava flows in Tanzania and Hawaii, Arches National Park in Utah, Stonehenge in England, glowing Mt. Etna in Sicily, giant crystals in Cave of Crystals in Mexico (my favorite), and more. These pictures will pique your curiosity and give you a yearning to see these places in person. (I know this book is for kids, but I have really enjoyed working through the interactive glossary at the back of the book, matching pictures, reading the information, and staring at the gorgeous photos.) Don't be surprised if the grown-ups sneak a peek at this book, too! ~ Donna