There are so many children’s books about rocks, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth reading. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ve picked our favorite books about rocks, and we’re sure your kids will love them too. So, if you’re looking for a way to get your kids interested in geology, look no further than these fantastic books!
Children’s Books about Rocks
If You Find a Rock
Suggested for lower elementary-aged children, but my 3 and 4.5-year-olds enjoy the book. What I appreciate about the book is the use of real images and the idea that rock is and can be much more than a simple hard object. This book is sure to ignite a child’s interest in rocks—an excellent book for the start of a unit.
Rocks, Fossils & Arrowheads
This series of books has added a lot to our home library. My boys love reading about life sciences and nature. This book, with its beautiful images (although I do prefer real images), is the perfect companion for them.
The book works well with 4-9-year-olds giving lots of information. Older children may want a bit more information. The best part about this book is the encouragement it offers children to go out into nature, observe, draw, and write. An excellent book for your child’s reference library.
Rocks & Fossils
The cover had me at first glance. Immediately, I was fascinated with fossils. I craved more and figured my children would feel the same way. Like most Usborne books, there are loads of information, such as how rocks were formed, included within the pages, which can be too much for the younger child. The photos are beautiful and inviting to the eye.
Rocks in His Head
An excellent book for many reasons. Although not your standard “let’s learn about rocks” type of book, it allows the child to experience the passion of rock collecting through the story of the author’s father.
On many levels, this book is a great one to add to your classroom collection because it teaches about staying true to your interests and following your passions and might hook the child into the unique world of rock collecting.
A Seed Is Sleepy
So we thought we’d give A Rock Is Lively a try. There is something about these illustrations that I love. They’re calming and soothing. The format and design of this book are beautiful.
The information, both visually and with words, is presented gently to the reader without compromising its effectiveness in delivery. With the help of this book, teaching children about rocks can be intriguing instead of boring.
Hill Of Fire
A true story based in Mexico about a farmer who finds a volcano erupting in his field: children are enamored with this book. There is a lot of learning to be had after reading this book.
Children will want to know more about volcanoes and will be amazed at how a volcano can grow and become so powerful. The book is easy to read and will capture your children’s attention with its storytelling.
How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World
This book brings to life a childhood goal of most of us: digging to the other side of the earth. This book includes much scientific information but keeps the child engaged with the illustrations.
The contents will send your child’s imagination on a journey that will undoubtedly stay with him for many years.
The Big Rock
A great addition to your child’s reference library for learning about rocks and minerals. The book is factually accurate and great for learning about the rock cycle. The illustrations are nice but not extraordinary.
The important point is that the book will result in lots of questions from your child and build a sense of wonder about why things are the way they are in the world. The age range is 7-10 years old, but my 3 and 4-year-old boys enjoyed it.
The Rock Factory: The Story About the Rock Cycle
This book gives a great introduction to rocks for lower elementary-aged children. With that said, my son is 4.5 and enjoyed this book.
The content includes information on the formation of rocks with an explanation of the rock cycle from the perspective of a piece of carbon that eventually becomes a diamond. I’d recommend a unit on rocks to place in your reference area of a classroom.
National Geographic Readers: Rocks and Minerals
This book is a must-have for your classroom or home. The images are real and well down. There is a ton of great information for children to absorb, question, and research further. We love National Geographic’s learning guides, and we own many of them across various topics.
Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, and Rough
I love this simple yet effective book about rocks. The book appeals to a wide age range and can be worked into a preschool or lower elementary unit study. The perfect book to introduce rocks to a young child and leave him wanting more.
One Grain of Sand: Journey of a Rock
I found this adorable book on the Cape one summer. I loved the layout, the rhythm of the words, and the illustrations. This book tells the story of a rock in a way that captures a child’s attention.
I like to use props when I read this book or go outside soon after reading it. Young children are concrete. To see and to hold or to climb (a boulder) solidifies the journey of the rock. Plus, integrating physical science is always a bonus.
The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth
One of my sons’ absolute favorite books. Truthfully, I was not the biggest fan of the Magic School Bus series, but I had to surrender because my sons learn a lot from these books.
The writers make learning happen whether we adults like it or not. So, yes, the Magic School Bus and Ms. Frizzle’s class adventure inside the Earth. As do my children, I take away something every time I read the book.
Let’s Go Rock Collecting
This is an easy book that your child is sure to love. Although quite simple in their presentation, the illustrations are paintings and are inviting to a child. The pages include real images too, which, as you know, I particularly like for a child’s learning.
In simple language, much like the illustrations, the book takes the reader on a journey around the world with two young rock collectors. Your child will have fun, learn a great deal about rocks, and will want to begin his own rock collection immediately.