The Rocks Book by Lonely Planet

Who else is in the line of the snow storm coming through the south, lower mid-west, and soon to be east (I think that's where it's headed, anyway)? We're lucky enough to live right in the area which got hit by the last storm and are already at about 5-6 inches of snow this morning. Now, I don't see that as much after growing up in Denver, but here, 1-inch closes the town down. Luckily, we're hitting 40+ degrees tomorrow, so people will be able to breath again soon. 

We're snuggling up today in front of the fireplace (as is usual this week), sipping all sorts of hot drinks, and I'm hitting my reading pile. Maybe, I'll be able to shove in some extras today (wouldn't that be fun?)

First, I'm starting with this book on rocks. My youngest absolutely loves looking for rocks (although she's already a teen). So, I'm hoping this one will be something to make her eyes shine.

(Note: This one is going onto my possible favorites of 2025 list)

THE ROCKS BOOK

Lonely Planet

Middle Grade Nonfiction

160 pages

ages 9 to 12

The ultimate introduction to rocks, minerals, and gemstones for kids - and grown-ups too!

What are rocks? How do fossils form? Are rocks different across the world? The Rocks Book has all the answers for curious readers, budding geologists - and petrologists! Learn about rocks from space, tips on how to collect rocks sustainably, and discover an epic directory of rocks and minerals to help kids identify treasures found on rock hunting trips.

Inside The Rocks Book:

• An incredible breadth of knowledge about the planet's many rocks and minerals written in an engaging and informative way for children and grown-ups alike
• Rocks around the world are explored continent by continent across North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, Oceania, Antarctica, and even Under the Sea
• Fun sections and features including Rock Detectives and Be a Rock Collector! keep kids entertained and aid learning
• Fascinating 'Directory of Rocks and Minerals' provides in-depth coverage of basalt, obsidian, sandstone, marble, gold, copper, and many more
• Written by Nancy Dickmann, author of Lonely Planet Kids' Amazing Night Sky Atlas and Amazing Ancient History Atlas

 

Find out what the world is made of, from top to bottom, with The Rocks Book - the latest addition to Lonely Planet Kids' The Fact Book series. This is the ultimate study of rocks for geology-loving kids and the perfect gift for curious children who want to learn more about our planet. 

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

From front to back, this book is chucked full of stones and all sorts of different aspects to prove how important this very large resource is.

This books is about rocks, and I mean that in a broad and wide sense. Everything from rock formations, minerals in space, architecture, careers, rock hounding tips, often-found stones, gems, unique rocks, lava, plate tectonics, history and more is covered. I'm not sure that it's possible to be more encompassing in the topic than this read is and still be firmly set for the middle grade audience. And that in a manner, which doesn't forget the attention span of the age group. 

The information is divided into sections, which include everything from areas of the world to rock collecting information, to types of rocks, to the science behind rocks and so much more. Each page, then, holds a two-page-spread photo of something related to the topic as the background. Then, the more detailed topics are placed in colored boxes across the page, each with its own photo to highlight the information. The text is kept short and concise, and yet, brings across the facts in a relaxed and grabbing style. It keeps the information from growing heavy, allows readers to flip through and pick up the book here and there at will, and even offers information, which will catch more reluctant readers' eyes. 

This isn't a book to be read through from beginning to end, but rather, invites to be picked up time and again...and offers so much discover. There is an index and glossary at the end to make it a lovely resource when looking for more specific information, but the book is more for those, who want to explore and simply grab up interesting tidbits along the way.

It makes a great resource for classrooms and libraries, and is even one which rock fans or science readers will enjoy getting their hands on.

Today's read... Atlas of Dogs by Lonely Planet

Today's stocking stuffer suggestion hits the nonfiction realm for beginning readers and middle graders. I know SO many girls, who would cuddle up with a book like this...Oh! And a suggestion to Lonely Planet: Do one on cats!!! (I'm not a cat fan (igitts!), but many, many girls are). Anyway... my own daughter is a huge animal fan and is focusing her high school classes to get as much science and whatnot in. So, when I was offered to take a peek at this book, it was a no-brainer. Especially since my daughter would have her two-cents to toss in as well.

Ready to see if your young animal fan will giggle for glee to find this one under the tree (and yep, that rhymes)?

ATLAS OF DOGS

by Lonely Planet Kids

Children's Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 6 to 8

Satisfy your canine curiosity with this who’s who of dogs. This fully illustrated guide will take you on a woof-tastic journey around the world to meet over 150 weird and wonderful dog breeds - from the dapper Boston Terrier to the chirpy German Dachshund, the lively Portuguese Podengo and the tiny but tough Australian Terrier.

Written by Frances Evans and featuring incredibly cute illustrations by Kelsey Heaton, this gorgeous hardcover atlas features large maps of each continent that show where each dog breed (both common and rare) is from. Follow-on pooch profiles then give the low-down on each one - their history, their physical characteristics and their personality traits. 

Region-by-region, we explore:
North America
South America
Europe (North and West) 
Europe (South and East)
Africa
Asia 
Australia and New Zealand

Additional special features include:
Atlas of a Dog’s Body and their Super Senses
Doggie Dictionary
Little Dogs and Gentle Giants
Terrific Terriers
Dogs with Jobs
Heroic Hounds
Cute Crossbreeds and Marvellous Mixes
Doggie Sports
And many more!
It’s going to be pawsome!

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55278294-atlas-of-dogs

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-planet-kids-atlas-of-dogs-1-lonely-planet-kids/1142350332

INDIE BOUND: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781838694463

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1838694463

MY TIDBITS

A world's wealth of information about dogs hits in an easy to digest way, while letting the wide diversity of dogs shine.

Divided into continents, this book introduces the various types of dogs coming from around the world. Each chapter starts with a very basic map of the continent and a list of dogs, which will be presented (the list does not demonstrate the order in which they are presented, though). Then, each dog receives (usually) a quarter page devoted to it. A brief paragraph or two describes the attributes, habits, special traits, and general dispositions of the dogs. There's a quick-glance rubric, which lists the country of origin, size, coat and personality. Each dog is illustrated in an easy-to-recognize manner as well.

This is a wealth of information on dogs for children. Not only are the dogs each explored, but there are also bit describing the dog anatomy, behaviors, and more. It holds many known and lesser known breeds as well as a couple of mixes. The text is direct but written in an enjoyable manner, and easy for the age level to understand. Each breed is put in a very positive light, making this one which celebrates dogs of all types and kinds (and many are more than adorable).

The illustrations are simple, bright and do their job. My daughter was disappointed that photos aren't included, since true dog lovers do enjoy seeing the dogs...not just illustrations of them. But this does get the job done, too, and makes each one recognizable

Dog fans will have tons of information at their fingertips and get to know the world of dogs well.

About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travelers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

Review: How Animals Build from Lonely Planet

HOW ANIMALS BUILD

by Moira Butterfield

Illustrated by Tim Hutchinson

Lonely Planet

Picture Book Non-Fiction

24 pages

ages 4 and up

The North & Latin American edition of this title is available here.

Lonely Planet Kids’ How Animals Build is a beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap hardback that explores the incredible world of animal architects. Children can open flaps and unfold spreads to discover amazing animal homes up high, underground, on land, and under the sea. From spider webs and rabbit warrens, to bird nests and ant colonies, and even coral reefs and beaver lodges, we reveal the secrets to these extraordinary structures and how they’re built.

Do bees need cement mixers to build hives? Do beavers use cranes to construct dams? No, of course not! Like many animals, they’re building geniuses who don’t need building site tools to create incredible work. Welcome to nature’s very own, super-clever world of construction.

Created in consultation with Michael Leach, wildlife author, speaker, photographer, and filmographer. Michael is the author of over 20 books on subjects ranging fromm big cats and owls to great apes and bears.

Themed topics include:

 Apartment Block with Branches

• Dig, Diggers, Dig!
• Number 1 Bunny Street
• A Winning Design
• It’s Buzzing in Here!
• Nest Neighborhoods
• This Way to Waterworld
• Extreme Builders
• Mouse House Here

MY TIDBITS

Every page of this one is packed full of interesting information and guarantees to suck in information hungry, animal loving kids for hours.

Every animal needs a home, and the variety is almost as vast as the imagination. While some animals keep it simple, others are genuine architects with a touch of genius. From birds, to mice, and even underwater creatures, this book covers a vast array of examples from the animal kingdom and is sure to hold a surprise or two.

The second this book is open, it's clear that the reader is in for a treat. Not only are animals from every corner of the globe, even lesser known ones, mentioned in these pages, but each home is presented through colorful illustrations with many secret doors, which lead to even more interesting tidbits. Not only is it exciting to see what animals and homes are up next, but the various possibilities to open up some homes to large scale, while peeking in the holes of other corners and crannies, makes it a delight to visit again and again.

With all of its fun, this isn't a book for the youngest readers but more suiting ages six and up. The text, while whimsically placed and holding a vocabulary great for the age group, is something for a larger attention span. This isn't a book a reader can devour in one sitting. At least, not while absorbing all of the information. There's simply too much for that. This is the kind of book readers will visit time and again to discover new information or notice things they skimmed past before. And the information is interesting—even for adults. There are enough less known facts to guarantee that something new is to be found for almost every reader.

This is a book of pure discovery and the sheer enjoyment of finding more, and is sure to draw kids back into the pages again and again.