Minerals FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
The definition, composition and physical properties of minerals are described in this earth science primer for third grade and up. The layout offers quality, color photos opposite each page of text. The text is spare but informative. Comparisons are made, such as the repetition of skyscraper blocks of windows with crystal patterns. Practical applications of minerals to everyday life are offered, such as the use of lead in a pencil. A few of the photos are microscopic images—the record player needle made of diamond inside a record groove and a grain of salt. There is an inconsistent match between illustrations and the text, but the caption serves as secondary text, explaining each photo. How to grow a crystal garden is featured at the end of the book with appropriate directions about asking for adult help. A too-brief glossary, a bibliography, web sites and an index conclude the book. As one in the "Kaleidoscope" series, the book's value for children is in the photographs. Teachers will use the information to build instruction about minerals and rock formations. 2001, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $22.79. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jacki Vawter
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-Basic introductions to their respective topics. Minerals covers what they are, where they come from, how they are formed, and their physical properties. The second book discusses how water is created, how it exists in three different states, how the water cycle affects our world, and the importance of water to life on earth. The large-print texts are easy to read, and the explanations are clear and concise. Outstanding full-page, full-color photographs appear throughout. Minerals concludes with directions for growing crystals.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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