Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

So, this week's summer theme is rocks. Let's face it you can find rocks just about everywhere--the beach, a river, a lake, your backyard, etc. Every year we do some craft from our treasures found at the beach but not everyone has a beach to go to each year. So, rocks are a perfect substitute plus there is the STEM behind rocks. I know digging in my garden I often find many rocks. Today I am going to share two new books with you (one released today) as well as a roundup of other rock resources and crafts. The first book is a picture book that teaches readers all about rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils in a fun way. The book is Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology by Paige Towler and illustrated by Matthew Carson. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

About the Book:

For fans of Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll comes a delightful nonfiction picture book told from the perspective of rocks—offering a fun and informative view of geology, straight from the source.

Let’s talk rocks. No, let’s let rocks talk!

Pebble the Rock Reporter is ready to interview a whole host of rocks and minerals to get the scoop on the fundamentals of geology.

Rocks and minerals have lots to tell us, and they are ready for their close-up!

Explaining how different rocks and gemstones form from minerals, this quirky nonfiction picture book is full of fun facts and puns galore—a great gift for any young rock collector or rock lover. Rock on!

From Me:

This adorable book is filled with loads of information all about rocks, minerals and more. Pebble the Rock Reporter goes and visits various rocks to learn about their type and how they are formed, etc. It talks about the differences between igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, geodes, amethysts, metamorphic rocks, diamonds and other gems, gold and pyrite, fossils, and asteroids versus meteorites. It also shares the rock cycle. It is all done is a fun way with many puns and lots of facts.

The rocks tell Pebble their story and it includes their formation and what can happen to them. The pictures are cute and fun as is the story. Kids are going to love this book and it can add in some STEM to their summer or be perfect in a class setting to do a geology unit. And of course, the perfect activity to go with the book is to go on a rock hunt and see if you can figure out what type they are and some fun rock crafts. See the roundup and the next book below!

Our next book is a craft book, and it is not necessarily a children's craft book but it is definitely a craft kids can do. The book is Rock Painting for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Techniques and Supplies with 50 Original Designs to Inspire You by Christine Rechl.

About the Book:

Turn rocks and stones into tiny treasures—to display at home or to give to your friends!

Using pens, markers, paints, brushes, and the simple lessons in this book, you'll be able to turn stones into gorgeous works of art that everyone will love. Design expert Christine Rechl provides all the information you'll need to get started, including a few simple tips and techniques and over 50 inspiring designs in 225 color photographs.

For aspiring artists of all ages, the simple instructions and examples in this book show you how to create:

A menagerie of cuddly cats, shaggy sheep and adorable dogs—even unicorns!
Funny faces, cartoon characters and kooky caricatures
Kaleidoscopic patterns made up of spirals, squiggles, dots and lines
Meditative mandalas, runes, oracle stones, amulets and lucky charms
And many more creative designs!

Create a colorful rock display in your home or send an inspiring message to a friend. Painted rocks make perfect gifts and keepsakes to treasure forever!

From Me:

We have dabbled in rock painting before. I bought a kit a long time ago and Hazel had to make a painted rock for school once. You can see our rocks in the roundup. However, this book goes into so much more detail about how to and creating different types of painted rocks. It goes through materials and that more intricate designs need a smoother rock. It gives suggestions for markers and paints. Plus there are even some templates for the cats and dogs at the end of the book!

The pages have tips and suggestions with the different designs meant to inspire and not necessarily just copied. I love the various designs, and they did inspire me. I gave it a go with some rocks I had around the house.

The book emphasizes that everyone will have some failures. Can you find mine? The goal is to keep trying. I love that this simple craft can be done by people of all ages and this book is one of the clearest tutorials I have seen. There are loads of photographs in the book as well. Now to decide if I want to make a rock garden somewhere.

Rock Resource Roundup:

Besides these two amazing books we have learned quite a bit about rocks from books as well as done crafts with them. Here is a roundup of some of our rocking rock posts.