Focus On Minerals - Book Review

Author Jerry Wermund held a long career in geology and upon retirement he started writing a series of book for children and young adult Earth Science studies. The author?s love for nature and academic experience shows in his latest book, Focus On Minerals. Illustrated by Tony Sansevero, a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. His studio, ?Magical Ideas?, has created various images, illustrations and art projects for publications and individuals for a number of years. A Member of the Society of Children?s Book Writers and illustrators, Tony?s award winning art has appeared in at least 15 other books and novels. I have to say that the illustrations were impressive and held me captivated for several moments at a time. Smiling children and adults having a good time with various activities, adventures and discoveries. I even laughed out loud when I saw the expressions on the young girls faces on page 39. The author explains the origin of the mineral name, textures, shapes, colors and origins of each mineral. Jerry successfully reveals how human life has been altered with each new mineral discovery. More than thirty minerals are defined in this young scholar?s book; photos of which are also located at the end of the book in the glossary section along with a description of each mineral. Terms and scientific information is also included for classes or home schooled youth to use in their studies. Sadly, Mr. Wermund appeared to make attempts at the use poetic or perhaps lyric style writing for 90% of the text? and failed. In fact, I found it a little hard to understand and had to think about what he was getting at on at least one page. Regardless, the book has a lot to offer ? including the ability to hold the attention of young people for a few moments per page. ISBN: 0972625526 Publisher: Rock On Publishing ~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit