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DK Eyewitness Books
Rocks and Minerals
Full-color photos. The beauty and importance of minerals, metals, crystals, fossils, and gemstones are shown in page after page of vivid photos.
64 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1997
27 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Steve Parker
1,335 books83 followersSteve Parker is a British science writer of children's and adult's books. He has written more than 300 titles and contributed to or edited another 150.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 1, 2020
Labai laisvai struktūruota knyga su nuostabiomis nuotraukomis.
Patiko pavadinimai: gneisas, putnagas, ruzgos, brekčija, plokšmės.
Kai kurie sakiniai buvo stačiai juokingi:
"Nugludintas dykumos apvalainukas, susidaręs vėjo nuolat pustomo smėlio zonoje, vadinamas (pagal formą) paplokštainiu."
"Nachlos akmuo nukrito Egipte 1911 m. ir, kaip pasakojama, užmušė šunį."
"Šis bolidas, kurį nufotografavo Naujosios Meksikos (JAV) rančos vyresnysis darbininkas penktą valandą ryto, nukrito ant žemės 1933 m. kovo mėnesį."
Sužinojau dalykų - molis yra uoliena! marmuras susidaro metamorfizuojantis klinčiai! Granitas yra magminė uoliena, o titnagas - nuosėdinė! - kaip ir logiška, kai pagalvoji, bet nepagalvoji.
Norėtųsi daugiau struktūros, bet ką dabar.
Patiko pavadinimai: gneisas, putnagas, ruzgos, brekčija, plokšmės.
Kai kurie sakiniai buvo stačiai juokingi:
"Nugludintas dykumos apvalainukas, susidaręs vėjo nuolat pustomo smėlio zonoje, vadinamas (pagal formą) paplokštainiu."
"Nachlos akmuo nukrito Egipte 1911 m. ir, kaip pasakojama, užmušė šunį."
"Šis bolidas, kurį nufotografavo Naujosios Meksikos (JAV) rančos vyresnysis darbininkas penktą valandą ryto, nukrito ant žemės 1933 m. kovo mėnesį."
Sužinojau dalykų - molis yra uoliena! marmuras susidaro metamorfizuojantis klinčiai! Granitas yra magminė uoliena, o titnagas - nuosėdinė! - kaip ir logiška, kai pagalvoji, bet nepagalvoji.
Norėtųsi daugiau struktūros, bet ką dabar.
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January 19, 2022Çocukken okuduğum bu kitabın bende anısı oldukça büyük. Okuduğum Orta Okulun kütüphanesinde bulduğum bu kitap sayesinde tam bir taş meraklısı olmuştum. Yaşadığım köyde dağ bayır dolaşarak farklı, parlak, renkli taşlar toplayıp; onları bu kitapla karşılaştırıp onların isimlerini bulmaya çalışırdım.
Bu şahane kitap, nefis canlı çizimleriyle belki başka çocuklara da aynı etkiyi yaratacaktır. Minarelleri, taşları, değerli taşları tarih boyunca insanların neden bu derece "hastalıklı" sevdiğini anlamalarını sağlayacaktır.
Bunun yanı sıra olumsuz yönleri olarak; kitapta daha fazla taşa yer verilebilirdi ama çocuklar ve gençler için yazıldığı göz önüne alındığında belki de fazla sıkıcı olurdu.
Bu şahane kitap, nefis canlı çizimleriyle belki başka çocuklara da aynı etkiyi yaratacaktır. Minarelleri, taşları, değerli taşları tarih boyunca insanların neden bu derece "hastalıklı" sevdiğini anlamalarını sağlayacaktır.
Bunun yanı sıra olumsuz yönleri olarak; kitapta daha fazla taşa yer verilebilirdi ama çocuklar ve gençler için yazıldığı göz önüne alındığında belki de fazla sıkıcı olurdu.
February 8, 2016
OK I know these are supposed to be kid books but they are awesome! Great pictures and just enough text to make you want to learn more. Great choices for a beginning history reader or to start an older reader out in a new area. Every time I pick one of these up and read it I learn new things. Highly Recommended
April 9, 2025
This is full of information, but I found it tedious to read, and finally gave up (I guess I'm not as interested in rock science as I thought). I ended up looking at the rocks on each page, ignoring most of the words.
I love rocks, and looking at different kinds was great! My favorite part was about rocks used for paint.
I think this book is great as a resource if you want to know something about a rock you have, but as something to just read, meh. No. (And I like to read encyclopedias for the fun of it.)
I love rocks, and looking at different kinds was great! My favorite part was about rocks used for paint.
I think this book is great as a resource if you want to know something about a rock you have, but as something to just read, meh. No. (And I like to read encyclopedias for the fun of it.)
February 26, 2025
A classic from childhood!
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March 29, 2017This is a great book to satisfy your inner geologist. This book will teach you many things about rocks, crystals, precious metals, and minerals. Although being a short read it is jam packed full of information and helpful diagrams to go along. Specifically you will learn about rock formation, weathering, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, caves, metamorphic rocks, primitive tools using rocks, fossils, space rocks, crystals, and gems.
My personal favorite section is the igneous rock section. I love how it shows all the different more specific types of rocks. For every rock a description and picture are provided. It is also written how they are made which is really cool. Igneous rocks form from magma deep down in the earth cools forming intrusive and extrusive rocks. Intrusive rocks form inside the crust and are later eroded out. However extrusive rocks are formed when a volcano erupts and then cools on the surface. Over all if you like geology you will love this book.
My personal favorite section is the igneous rock section. I love how it shows all the different more specific types of rocks. For every rock a description and picture are provided. It is also written how they are made which is really cool. Igneous rocks form from magma deep down in the earth cools forming intrusive and extrusive rocks. Intrusive rocks form inside the crust and are later eroded out. However extrusive rocks are formed when a volcano erupts and then cools on the surface. Over all if you like geology you will love this book.
September 20, 2013
My son enjoys looking at rocks we find and seeing if he can find something similar in the book.
April 15, 2016
The pictures are very clear and useful to help with identification.
October 22, 2017
Overview and introduction to rocks, minerals, and geology.
The set-up is choppy, but otherwise grouped by subject.
The set-up is choppy, but otherwise grouped by subject.
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November 25, 2019DK types of books are very informational based which is great to have in a classroom. Some students just like to learn the facts about a content area; these books provide that learning type. The graphics are detailed as if you are looking at the real thing which is helpful for all students. Along with the visuals, there are blurbs of information. This is beneficial because students do not have to read the whole book they are able to quickly find the information they need. One cool thing that I love about DK books is that the backgrounds are white which allows the pictures to pop because they get all the attention instead of a busy background. This is beneficial to students will disabilities because it allows them to focus on the materials they need not the extra stimuli.
July 4, 2025
Fully illustrated with each of the many pictures labeled.
Minerals and their types are characterized. Fossils are covered , as in the use of stones in building and gemstones. This is a must book for rock collectors.
Minerals and their types are characterized. Fossils are covered , as in the use of stones in building and gemstones. This is a must book for rock collectors.
January 18, 2018
Great guide to rocks and minerals from Eyewitness. I use these books in my classroom.
May 13, 2022
Childhood Memory unlocked
August 4, 2025
Visivo. Particolareggiato. Curato.
April 16, 2018
MS Science Series
Symes, R. F. Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books: Rocks & Minerals (1988). Rocks, rocks, and more rocks! Or if you read this book…a combination of minerals to be exact. This is just one book of many in the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Book series. This series covers a wide range of social science and science topics for middle school readers (gr 6-8). This book is an informational guide with many close up photographs of the different types of minerals that form rocks from various places. It is structured in a way that makes sense. The Earth is the first topic, then we find out what rocks are, how they are weathered, the different types, tools, formation, uses and how they extend to fossils, coal, and decorative uses, and so on. Each section has a brief paragraph answering the main question or giving details about a subtopic within the world of Rocks and Minerals. Accompanying each section are many pictures each paired with a caption for a more in-depth look. While it is very informative, it can get a bit overwhelming with the amount of text/photographs on each page. This is a great book for science-savvy students or students who have an interest in geology!
Symes, R. F. Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books: Rocks & Minerals (1988). Rocks, rocks, and more rocks! Or if you read this book…a combination of minerals to be exact. This is just one book of many in the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Book series. This series covers a wide range of social science and science topics for middle school readers (gr 6-8). This book is an informational guide with many close up photographs of the different types of minerals that form rocks from various places. It is structured in a way that makes sense. The Earth is the first topic, then we find out what rocks are, how they are weathered, the different types, tools, formation, uses and how they extend to fossils, coal, and decorative uses, and so on. Each section has a brief paragraph answering the main question or giving details about a subtopic within the world of Rocks and Minerals. Accompanying each section are many pictures each paired with a caption for a more in-depth look. While it is very informative, it can get a bit overwhelming with the amount of text/photographs on each page. This is a great book for science-savvy students or students who have an interest in geology!
April 27, 2015
Nonfiction Text: Eye Witness Rocks & Minerals 2014 Edition
This book was immensely informative on the formation of rocks and minerals. It takes hundreds, thousands, and millions of years for these formations to become a potential product for market. Some people dedicate hours upon hours to finding these precious stones, which makes them uncanny finds amongst many. Any child interested in geology or mining will love this book!
Fiction Text: "Mega Mining: Big Mining Equipment Digging Mega Dirt"
This is a fun book for kids, filled with facts on mining, large mining equipment, photos, and puzzles. This book helps make mining fun for kids. They children make new discoveries as they read the book. Children also learn about the hard work that goes into mining and geology. This is an inspiring text for future diggers!
This book was immensely informative on the formation of rocks and minerals. It takes hundreds, thousands, and millions of years for these formations to become a potential product for market. Some people dedicate hours upon hours to finding these precious stones, which makes them uncanny finds amongst many. Any child interested in geology or mining will love this book!
Fiction Text: "Mega Mining: Big Mining Equipment Digging Mega Dirt"
This is a fun book for kids, filled with facts on mining, large mining equipment, photos, and puzzles. This book helps make mining fun for kids. They children make new discoveries as they read the book. Children also learn about the hard work that goes into mining and geology. This is an inspiring text for future diggers!
May 2, 2020
A lot of great information packed into one book! Very accessible for students filled with student-friendly definitions and information as well as very helpful images and drawings. Can be used when learning about rocks and minerals in a broad sense and a good reference to be used when discussing more specific rocks and minerals.
February 22, 2013
I hope I still have this in a box somewhere. I loved it! I got it oh so many years ago, and read through it all the time. I love everything about rocks and minerals, and this book is great to drool over some very fine specimens.
July 22, 2011
This teaches you about rocks and minerals. I identified 3 of my rocks with this guide!
November 9, 2013
detailed pictures of objects, artifacts, and research.
March 2, 2015
Rock & Mineral
Symes, R.F.
teacher resource for teaching science about rocks and minerals with easy to understand text for young readers.
Symes, R.F.
teacher resource for teaching science about rocks and minerals with easy to understand text for young readers.
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August 21, 2013This is a good easy-to-read guide with interactive ideas for *children* with many pictures and explanations. I'd recommend this for anyone who has a child interested in rocks, crystals etc
October 25, 2013
I like this book so much that I took it out of the library 3 times in a row! (age 8)
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November 30, 2013AR Quiz No. 14784 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 8.3 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 8.3 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
August 4, 2015
Chock full of information. Can be overwhelming to younger readers. Great detail though on all types of rocks, minerals, uses for rocks and minerals, geologist's tools. Use for upper grade levels.
November 27, 2017
This book was filled with great information and stunning photographs for my third-grade budding geologist/gemologist.
April 10, 2018
It was really boring
December 28, 2020
Lielisks gids par akmeņiem un "dārgumiem" tepat zem kājām :) Gan bērniem, gan pieaugušiem. Lasīju '97. gada tulkojumu latviski, kaut arī oriģināls izskatās izdots ļoti sen.
February 21, 2022
Good book
July 5, 2023
3.5/5:
This had really great info on some pages while useless points on the other. In general, the experiments were cool and images interesting.
This had really great info on some pages while useless points on the other. In general, the experiments were cool and images interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews