Basher Science: Rocks and Minerals: A Gem of a Book

by Simon Basher, Dan Green, Simon Basher (Illustrator)

Overview

Imagine if you could speak to a meteorite… What do you think it could tell you about the universe? Find out in Basher Science: Rocks and Minerals, the extraordinary book that brings geology to life through a community of incredible characters.

Discover everything from the ancient wonder of fossilized plants and animals to the curious beauty of minerals and crystals. This compelling guide is packed with Basher beings who come together to create the foundations of our planet.

Unlock the mysteries of the ground beneath our feet, learn how the island of Surtsey was created from a volcanic eruption in just a few days, and find out which mineral can be found on Mars. Finally, realise how rocks and minerals form essential parts of our daily lives: sparkly diamond earrings, copper wires, graphite pencils and even in talcum powder.

Simon Basher's unique, eye-catching illustrations combine with engaging, first-person text by expert author Dan Green to hook even the most reluctant readers and help make content accessible. Perfect for home or school, Basher's highly original books make difficult concepts tangible, understandable and even lovable.

Learn even more with the Basher Science series, including: Biology, Physics, Chemistry and The Periodic Table.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753481042
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Series:	Basher Science Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.35(d)
Age Range:	9 - 11 Years

About the Author

Artist and designer Simon Basher has fun playing in the world of contemporary character design. Inspired by a love of simple line work and a rich color palette, his characters fill the gap between edgy manga and the cuteness of Hello Kitty. He lives in England.

Dan Green is a freelance science writer and editor who consulted on Basher's previous book for Kingfisher, The Periodic Table.

Artist and designer Simon Basher has fun playing in the world of contemporary character design. Inspired by a love of simple line work and a rich color palette, his characters fill the gap between edgy manga and the cuteness of Hello Kitty. He lives in England.

Editorial Reviews

Simon Basher never met a pun he didn't like. The Basher Science series mogul calls this creation "a gem of a read." Not surprising: His Astronomy was "out of this world" and his Periodic Table was "elements with style." What Rocks and Minerals really shares with the other Basher Science books is accessibility. Basher and his writing partner, Dan Green, approach each subject with an unpretentious enthusiasm and a willingness to communicate on a kid's level. An unorthodox, effective science primer.

Gr 3–8—This unique book gives each rock and mineral personality and pizzazz through the use of a conversational, first-person text. (Quartzite explains, "Nothing wears me down—I'm the definition of true grit!") Three interesting facts, a short description, and a list of basic facts (chemical formula, hardness, etc.) are provided about each one. Full-color cartoons of the rocks and minerals include faces and other human characteristics that enhance the personalities. Navigation is facilitated with sections being designated by a color and symbol. Readers will enjoy and learn from this fact-filled, accessible book.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

School Library Journal

[T]he entries make lighthearted but unexpectedly meaty reading. Confirmed rock hounds will find this latest of Basher's forays into science a refreshing change of approach from more conventional treatments.

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