With vibrant and captivating illustrations, fascinating facts, and poetic descriptions, this book proves that rocks (and nonfiction) are anything but boring. Case in point: the surprising amethyst geode with crystals inside, the inventive obsidian used to make arrowheads, and the ever-creative and useful chalk found in your child's classroom. Kids will learn the phenomenon of how these rocks are formed in clear and engaging text, complemented by Sylvia Long's beautiful watercolor paintings. This book is a visual treat, and the perfect addition to any science lover's bookshelf. (Chronicle Books, $11.55)