The Pebble In My Pocket

The Pebble In My Pocket:
A history of our earth

If you're searching for a captivating children's book that beautifully blends education with a compelling story, look no further than "A Pebble in My Pocket" by Meredith Hooper. This enchanting book takes young readers on a fascinating journey through time, tracing the life story of a single pebble from its fiery beginnings in a volcano to its present-day resting place.

The narrative begins millions of years ago, when the pebble was part of a massive volcanic eruption. As the story progresses, it follows the pebble through various geological events—erosion, transportation by rivers, and even the Ice Age. What's truly magical about this book is how it makes complex geological processes accessible and engaging for young minds. The rich, detailed illustrations by Chris Coady further bring the story to life, making it a visual delight as well as an educational treasure.

For teachers and home educators, "A Pebble in My Pocket" is more than just a storybook; it’s a versatile teaching tool. It provides a natural springboard for discussions on earth science, history, and even environmental conservation. You can use it to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on activities like collecting and examining pebbles or creating simple experiments to demonstrate erosion. Perfect for classroom read-aloud sessions or cosy evening story time at home, this book is both informative and delightful, making it a must-have addition to any educational library.

Author: Meredith Hooper

Meredith is an accomplished Australian historian and writer, born and raised in Adelaide. She has made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the fields of history, science, and children's books.

Book Details:

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Format: Hardback
Print length: 40 pages
Dimensions: 21.97 x 1.02 x 27.31 cm
Reading age: 7-10 years old
Publication date: 05 Nov. 2015
ISBN: 978-1847807687

Read alongside these topics:

Rocks and Soil

How can "The Pebble In My Pocket" help in teaching this Y3 Science "Rocks and Soil" topic?

"The Pebble in My Pocket: A History of Our Earth" by Meredith Hooper is an excellent resource for teaching Year 3 students about the "Rocks and Soil" topic in science. Here are several ways it can be effectively utilized in the classroom:

Engaging Storytelling: The book narrates the journey of a pebble from its formation in a volcanic eruption 480 million years ago to its current state. This storytelling approach captivates young readers and provides a relatable context for understanding geological processes such as rock formation and erosion, which are fundamental concepts in the study of rocks and soil.

Visual Learning: With stunning illustrations that convey texture, weight, and movement, the book enhances visual learning. These visuals can help students better grasp abstract concepts related to geology, making it easier for them to visualize the processes that create different types of rocks and soils.

Hands-On Activities: Educators can create hands-on activities based on the book's content. For example, students can collect various pebbles and rocks, compare their characteristics, and discuss their origins, mirroring the journey described in the book. This experiential learning aligns well with scientific inquiry methods, encouraging observation and analysis.

Vocabulary Development: The text introduces specific vocabulary related to geology and earth science. Teachers can use this opportunity to expand students' vocabulary through discussions and activities centred around the terms used in the book, fostering both language skills and scientific literacy.

Cross-Curricular Connections: The themes in "The Pebble in My Pocket" can be integrated into other subjects such as art (through drawing or painting pebbles) or history (discussing the Earth's timeline). This interdisciplinary approach enriches students' learning experiences and helps them make connections across different domains.

In summary, "The Pebble in My Pocket" serves as a multifaceted educational tool that not only teaches students about rocks and soil but also engages them through storytelling, visual aids, hands-on activities, vocabulary development, and cross-curricular connections.