Here’s some of my favorite children’s books about rocks. You’ll find both fiction and nonfiction books perfect for any science unit on rocks and geology.
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Integrating Literature into Science
I strongly believe in the importance of integrating books and literature into any science unit. By having a selection of both fiction and nonfiction books available for kids related to the subject being taught, children have an accessible resource they can go to at any time to build on their learning. The book set helps them discover new information, fosters a love of learning, and helps them build connections among various texts and with the world around them.
How to Use a Book Set
When teaching any science unit to my class or building on an interest my children are showing at home, I always place a collection related books out where they are always accessible to the kids. Children will visit them at different times during their learning, whether to read more on their own or to excitedly share information they’ve discovered with others. Many of these books also make great read alouds!
Children’s Books about Rocks
I particularly love this collection of children’s books about rocks. You’ll find some stories that get the kids’ imaginations flowing, as well as books full of all kinds of interesting facts and information about rocks!
I’ve provided an age range for each book to give you a general idea which kids the books are geared towards , but I’m a firm believer in listening to your child. You might be surprised which books your child relates to- even if they are not in the suggested age range. This post contains affiliate links.
This book set about rocks is also the perfect supplement those teaching the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1, 4-ESS1-1.
Let’s Go Rock Collecting by Roma Gans
This Reading Rainbow book is a great way to introduce rocks to younger children using fairly simple text and illustrations. Ages 3-6
National Geographic Kids Everything Rocks and Minerals by Steve Tomecek
This is a great informational text to add to your book collection on rocks. It contains large, beautiful photos and all kinds of facts including information on types of rocks and the rock cycle. Ages 7 and up
If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian
This book describes various uses of rocks through descriptive language and gorgeous photos. Perfect for helping children focus on details of rocks using the senses. Ages 4-8
Rocks, Fossils, & Arrowheads by Laura Evert
This is a good basic book for beginning to identify different rocks, fossils, and arrowheads. The end of the book contains blank pages for kids to record their own observations and drawings. Ages 6 and up
A Rock is Lively by Diana Hutts Aston
I love how this book combines informational text with snippets of poetry as it describes different types of rocks. And the illustrations are gorgeous! Ages 5-8
Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor
This has to be my favorite picture book in the whole collection! (We actually ended up buying our own copy after checking it out from the library.) In this book a child shares all the rules she thinks are important when searching for the perfect rock. It’s definitely a great book to read before heading out on a rock hunt, and it also serves as a great springboard for children to write their own rules for rock hunting. Ages 5 and up
If Rocks Could Sing by Leslie McGuirk
This is an alphabet book made up of rocks! Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a rock resembling that particular letter, as are the pictures on each page. What’s really cool is the author actually collected all these rocks herself! Great inspirational book to read before heading off on a rock hunt! Ages 2 and up
Rhoda’s Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin
This is a cute fictional story about a little girl on a hike with her aunt and uncle. While they’re busily doing their own thing, Rhoda is excited about searching for rocks! The only problem is she has to carry all the rocks she finds. What will she do when her pack gets too heavy? Ages 3-7
A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas
This book uses simple phrases to share all the places you might find or use a rock. The end of the book has more information about rocks, as well as a glossary. Ages 2-5
The Rock Factory: The Story about the Rock Cycle by Jacqui Bailey
This is a great book for introducing the rock cycle to kids. Children will learn about different types of rocks and how they are formed. Ages 7 and up
The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole
Kids will learn about different types of rocks, the soil, and the Earth’s layers, and as they follow Ms. Frizzle to the center of the Earth and back out again. This book is full of all kinds of interesting facts presented in a fictional story. Ages 5 and up
The Pebble in My Pocket by Meredith Hoooper
This story follows the history of a pebble found by a little girl at the beginning of the book and shows the effects of change over millions of years- great informational book about the rock cycle and history of the Earth. Ages 7 and up
Rocks & Minerals by Steve Tomecek
Here’s another nonfiction book you’ll want to add to your book set on rocks. Through colorful illustrations, children will learn about various types of rocks and the rock cycle. The book ends with a fun science experiment. Ages 5-8
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