Every rock has a story: An A to Z of Australian Geology by Kitty van Cuylenburg. Illus. by Cher Hart

cover image

The cleverly designed cover and endpapers of Every Rock Has A Story: An A to Z of Australian Geology will immediately hook middle grade readers who are fascinated by rocks and minerals. With the cover showing layers of soil and what might be found when digging deep below the surface and the front and back endpapers sharing multiple items related to geology, this new release will be a valuable resource for students and teachers.

The double page contents table begins with an introduction and then the chapters are listed in alphabetical order beginning with A for Artesian and ending with Z for Zircon. In the final pages there is map of locations, a timeline, glossary and acknowledgements. The Introduction shares information about Australia, its rocks, fascinating facts and hints at the amazing geological wonders that are to be found if you know where to look.

Each of the 26 chapters contains information about one of the following areas: landforms, minerals, fossils or resources. For example, Chapter M is about a mountain, Mount Augustas/Burringurrah which is an inselberg - a large steep sided outcrop rising out of flat surrounding landscape - and is twice the size of Uluru. The double page spread for each chapter is thoughtfully set out with highly accessible paragraphs of information, images and illustrations in soft earthy tones, labelled tables, text boxes and a map.  

This is a fascinating read and will be a fabulous reference book for a home, school or public library.

Teacher notes: Every Rock Has a Story, Kitty van Cuylenburg, Cher Hart, 9781486316731

Themes: Australian Geology, Rocks and Minerals, Geoscience.

Kathryn Beilby