Playful and interactive, this picture-book title in the Jump into Science series makes geology accessible with colorful diagrams, photos, and computer graphics. The spreads discuss how the three main types of rock are formed, as well as facts about fossils and the more than 2,500 different minerals on the planet. The visuals will capture kids, from the photo of lava pouring out of a volcano to paintings of the pyramids and a photo of Stonehenge in a section about how rocks are used. The back matter has a great recipe for making a rock from glue, sand, and pebbles.

Tomecek introduces young readers to the basics of rock types, their formation, and the larger-scale processes that shape the earth (with a smaller section on minerals). Helpful color photographs of the rock and mineral specimens are superimposed on somewhat-less-accurate cartoonlike illustrations of larger-scale rock formations and processes. A cartoon character guides readers through; a "rock"-making activity is appended.

K-Gr 3 Tomecek explains how the Earth was formed from a ball of gas, and that as the gas cooled over millions of years, rocks created the core and the crust. Minerals are introduced as the building blocks of rocks, and the various uses of these materials in man-made structures are addressed. The main portion of the book discusses the three major types: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. "The Rock Cycle" explains in pictures and labels how rocks are weathered, changed, and become new rocks. An activity to make a conglomerate rock out of sand, glue, and pebbles is appended. A mix of digital artwork and actual photos creates a pleasing layout. An illustrated cartoon tour guide appears on all the pages. This informative title is child-friendly without being overwhelming. It will appeal to those looking for facts and catch the eye of curiosity seekers. Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX