Rocks and Minerals

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

Neil Morris is one of several prolific producers of thematic nonfiction
children’s books who seems to have found an insatiable market. These
latest titles in his Wonders of the World series are written for
students reading at the Grades 3–4 level but will interest those from
Grades 2 to 9.

Earthquakes explores what causes the giant tremors and vividly depicts
their devastating effect on property. Forests focuses on the worldwide
destruction of the different kinds of forests and the resulting loss of
wildlife habitat. Rivers and Lakes covers all aspects of river and lake
formation and preservation as well as the polluting of our waterways.
Rocks and Minerals describes how earth’s geological forces create
beautiful gemstones.

The books recall the Life Nature Library series of the 1960s, only they
are less comprehensive. Each volume includes a glossary and index at the
end. There is no particular Canadian content to distinguish these titles
geographically from similar works. The volumes are heavily illustrated
with both drawings and photographs; many of the latter appear to be
stock photographs.

While these books provide good coverage of their subjects, library
purchasers may wish to review other current offerings before deciding on
this series. Recommended.