Grandpa and His Magic Rocks: An introduction to Utah's amazing past worlds for kids of all ages

by Mike Martling

Overview

"Grandpa and His Magic Rocks" takes us on a four-billion year trip through Utah's geological and paleontological past as Grandpa Mike weaves tales of his magic rocks and takes his grandchildren on adventures of imagination that span the entire geologic history of Utah. A master storyteller, author Mike Martling blends science, art, humor, and love in a delightful and very readable book for children of all ages, and any adult interested in a simple introduction to Utah's amazing geology and paleontology. Richly illustrated with valuable resources at the end, "Grandpa and His Magic Rocks" is the perfect place to start your adventure into the spectacular and unique geology and paleontology that is Utah.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881151423
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	05/03/2024
Pages:	246
Sales rank:	58,011
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Mike Martling is a thirty-year veteran teacher who has taught history, social studies, English, art, geology, and paleontology at private and public charter schools in several states. With a passion for learning and teaching, author Mike Martling became enamored with the geology and paleontology of Utah thirty years ago on his first visit to the state. Since then, Mike has collected and studied rocks, and spent the last two decades researching the incredible geology of Utah. As a master teacher and storyteller, Mike noticed that there was no literature about the magnificent geology of Utah written specifically for middle school students and others who might want a non-intimidating and easy to understand introduction to Utah's past worlds. It is his hope that "Grandpa and His Magic Rocks" will now fill that void. Mike has been married to the love of his life, Nancy, since 1981, and has two sons and four grandchildren. His fifth grandchild, Riley, is actually his golden doodle! "I wanted to add a second granddaughter, because I felt it was important to encourage girls to go into science." As of the writing of this book, Mike is a volunteer at the Natural History Museum of Utah in the Paleontology Department.

Editorial Reviews

A tremendous storyteller, author Mike Martling shares his passion and wonder of Utah's geologic history with his grandchildren. He takes complex geological processes and makes them accessible and fun by striving for simplicity, ensuring that every detail will resonate with young readers. "Grandpa and His Magic Rocks" weaves captivating narratives of Utah's magnificent geologic past - great for kids of all ages and any adult with a curious mind.

Utah Geological Survey - Jackson Smith

In "Grandpa and His Magic Rocks," author Mike Martling teaches us about the Geology and Paleontology of Utah through the vehicle of conversations with his grandchildren. Mike's writing is creative, clear, accessible, and often humorous, essential qualities for effective science communication. And readers with kids or grandkids will immediately smile at the kinds of interactions that Mike describes.

The Sarah B. George Executive Director, Natural History Museum of Utah - Jason Cryan