How Do Water and Wind Change Rock?

November 1, 2014

Gr 1-3-Vibrant, full-page photos combine with accessible, comprehensible text in this fresh exploration of all things rock. While the subject matter could have been dry and uninteresting, it is instead engaging, thanks in part to quick facts, stunning images, and an appealing design. Interactive elements, such as sidebars with open-ended questions and the experiments found in "Science Lab," allow young readers to gain a better understanding of the topic through hands-on and critical thinking activities. The books contain a pronunciation guide in the glossary but not within the text, which may present challenges to readers. While some repetition is to be expected, especially between the individual volumes dedicated to the three rock types and What is the Rock Cycle?, several points are noticeably repeated throughout the series. Disappointingly, "Websites" directs readers to the publisher's webpage for links to online resources rather than provide the actual web addresses. In spite of some flaws, these are inspired, attention-grabbing titles.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2014
Grades 2-4 The wide-format books in the Rock-ology series discuss facts related to geology. A typical double-page spread introduces a new topic in several short, large-print sentences supplemented by an info-circle carrying more information in smaller type. Separated on the page into individual sentences, the main text seems a bit disjointed even when the various parts are logically connected. The greater part of each spread is devoted to one or more captioned illustrations: photos, digital diagrams, and digital-collage pictures incorporating photographic elements. Though somewhat varied in quality, the colorful pictures are often effective. Each book includes a simple activity suitable for home or classroom use. How Do Water and Wind Change Rock? considers the creation of sediment and how it is transformed into sedimentary rock. Recommended as supplementary resources for larger collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)