The Rock Cycle

Children's Literature - Carollyne Hutter

The rock cycle is a slow process that recycles rocks. The book explores the three types of rocks, how the rock cycle works, weathering and erosion, sediments and fossils, rock recycling, being a geologist, and other topics. Colorful photographs and illustrations bring the ideas to life and will appeal to children. The diagrams are clear and explain geological processes in straightforward way. The language used in the book is simple and easy to understand. The book ends with a fun quiz and a science activity to make your own rock. A code is given in the book, which can be used on the website to access video clips, audio readings of the book, a slide show, quizzes, and other activities. The book can be used in science and geology units and in celebration of Earth Day. The information is organized in a way that works well for children creating reports or presentations. The book can be used alone or with another book in the series, "The Rock Cycle." Reviewer: Carollyne Hutter

Children's Literature

Did you know that the surface of earth is constantly moving? Or that the rocks that were here when the dinosaurs roamed the earth are made from the same materials as rocks today? These and other interesting facts about the rock cycle are presented in this book, part of the "Science Matters" series. Do not let the book's size fool you. A wealth on information is presented in its mere twenty-four pages. Readers will learn about the different types of rock, the rock cycle, how rocks form and change over time, and rock recycling. The information is presented in clear, well-written, yet spare language, and is accompanied by colorful photographs and drawings. All the typical elements of a good nonfiction book are here: an index, table of contents, glossary ("Words to Know") and where to go for additional information ("Surfing our Earth"), but this series goes a step further to include a "Science in Action" section—in this case, creating sandstone rock—which gives students some hands-on opportunities to apply and expand what they have learned. It also includes a "What Have You Learned?" section which helps reinforce the information by asking readers ten simple questions on the material presented in the book. This book is a must have for elementary science students and their teachers, and would be a great addition to a home-schooling parent's library. 2005, Weigl Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.
—Pat Trattles