Science Comics: Rocks and Minerals: Geology from Caverns to the Cosmos

 

Earth Day is approaching, so why not review a book about what makes up the Earth? Science Comics: Rocks and Minerals: Geology from Caverns to the Cosmos contains so much information and covers a lot of ground (ha!). The story framework here focuses on two characters, Sedona, a seasoned geologist who wrangles geodes and crystals, and Wally, a young man who is eager to be her assistant and also discover rare, expensive, and exceptional rocks. 

Sedona in action!

The story begins when he brings a rock to her and he asks her what it is. Her response begins way back at the Big Bang and then covers the formation of elements, stars, and planets. Her tale also touches on volcanoes, plate tectonics, erosion, weathering, geologic ages, the three types of rocks, as well as relative and radioactive dating. The amount of sheer information in this book is staggering, but it is presented in an engaging, relatively breezy way because of expert storytelling. Many pages also resemble scientific diagrams and maps, making this book a content area teacher's dream.

I've read almost all of the books in the Science Comics series, and this one is as terrific as some of the best entries. I was not really surprised by that, as it was written and drawn by Andy Hirsch, who has also created books on Dogs, Cats, and Trees for the series. You can check out some of his drawing process in this video.

All the reviews I have read about this book have been positive. In a starred review from School Library Journal, John Peters summed up, " A rock-solid review for serious students of our planet’s story, infused with humor and wonder." Sara Smith wrote, "The coloring is beautiful and bright, and some of the illustrations of the different rock formations and minerals reminds me what I liked about them as a kid."

Science Comics: Rocks and Minerals: Geology from Caverns to the Cosmos was published by First Second, and they offer a preview and more about it here.