Review by Booklist Review
The narrator of this colorful and energetic work is Pebble, a diminutive purple stone who interviews and introduces various denizens of the rock world. First up are igneous rocks, followed by sedimentary, geodes (both igneous and sedimentary), metamorphic, various gems (diamond, emerald, ruby), minerals (amethyst, pyrite, gold), fossils, and asteroids. Physical traits emerge as personalities. Marble, a metamorphic rock that morphs over time, keeps changing its mind about being interviewed; diamond likes to hide because of its rarity. The narrative is filled with puns ("never take obsidian for granite"; "meteorites come in pieces"), and the cartoon illustrations, flowcharts, and diagrams are entertaining and aptly support concepts. Facts, brief explanations, and quips spill across pages in a pleasing and logical progression. Back matter includes a glossary, list of resources, and suggestions for becoming a rock hound--start a written or photographic journal, join a club, get a rock tumbling kit--or just using this cheerful introduction to whet kids' perennial interest. This makes a fun addition for school and public collections.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--An informative and colorful way to explore the vast world of geology. Reporter Pebble walks, or rocks, his way through a pun-filled formation of rocks. Beautiful and vibrant digital illustrations that integrate photos of real rocks provide a seamless style that is fun and visually accurate for identifying rocks in the real world. Geologic facts are presented through "interviews" with different rocks, letting them explain in their own words how they were created. Included throughout are illustrations of Pebble's notebook pages filled with interesting snippets of information that pertain to the rock presented in the layout. These factoids are not-so-hidden gems that add to the idea that Pebble is a reporter. The text provides a very basic explanation of the formation of rocks and gems that makes for a kid-friendly work for inclusion in science curriculum. A basic glossary is included as is a list of additional resources for further discovery and research. VERDICT An entertaining introduction to geology and the rocks that surround us, and a strong addition to elementary science and nature collections.--Elizabeth Speer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In puntastic profusion, rocks and minerals chip in to introduce themselves: "Gneiss to meet you." As the accurately named tour guide Pebble dishes up commentary and at least some of the wordplay ("I'll never take you for GRANITE, buddy"), select rock stars from coal to marble describe their igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic origins as a prelude to glimpses of a glittering gallery of gems and a jumble of cameos from special guests: pyrite, fossils, and space rocks. Along the way, a look at the rock cycle shows how the three types of rock can transform into one another, and a pair of geodes offer readers a look at the "secrets" they conceal: gorgeous crystals. Carlson seamlessly shuffles photos and painted images together for the illustrations, tacking a smile and googly eyes onto Pebble and many specimens but accurately capturing their broad range of typical colors and surface textures. "Of course, there are always more rocks to discover!" Towler concludes, and to help readers "keep rocking on," she finishes up with sources and advice for prospective rock hounds, plus a quick testimonial from a working scientist. A geo-logical approach to discovering how rocks rock. (glossary)(Informational picture book. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
