Rocks and Minerals: A Gem of a Book

by Simon Basher, Dan Green, Simon Basher (Illustrator)

Overview

Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753463147
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	09/29/2009
Series:	Basher Science Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	66,121
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1050L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Simon Basher is an artist and designer who has fun playing in the world of contemporary character design. Inspired by a love of simple line work and a rich palette, his characters blend the edge of manga with the cuteness of Hello Kitty.
Dan Green studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Since graduating, he has written and edited many popular science titles and humorous books, become the editor of a South American national newspaper, worked as a travel writer, as well as developing and editing the wildly successful Horrible Science magazine collection. He is the "voice" of Basher's bestselling science-made-easy books, and to date has written nine titles in the series.

Editorial Reviews

Booklist

[T]he entries make lighthearted but unexpectedly meaty reading. Confirmed rock hounds will find this latest of Basher's forays into science a refreshing change of approach from more conventional treatments.

School Library Journal

This unique book gives each rock and mineral personality and pizzazz through the use of a conversational, first-person text. . . . Readers will enjoy and learn from this fact-filled, accessible book.

From the Publisher

Simon Basher never met a pun he didn't like. The Basher Science series mogul calls this creation "a gem of a read." Not surprising: His Astronomy was "out of this world" and his Periodic Table was "elements with style." What Rocks and Minerals really shares with the other Basher Science books is accessibility. Basher and his writing partner, Dan Green, approach each subject with an unpretentious enthusiasm and a willingness to communicate on a kid's level. An unorthodox, effective science primer.

Gr 3–8—This unique book gives each rock and mineral personality and pizzazz through the use of a conversational, first-person text. (Quartzite explains, "Nothing wears me down—I'm the definition of true grit!") Three interesting facts, a short description, and a list of basic facts (chemical formula, hardness, etc.) are provided about each one. Full-color cartoons of the rocks and minerals include faces and other human characteristics that enhance the personalities. Navigation is facilitated with sections being designated by a color and symbol. Readers will enjoy and learn from this fact-filled, accessible book.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

School Library Journal