Murray, Peter

Color photos fill this overview of oil, which describes its origins, its physical makeup, its ancient and modern uses, and its role in the future, and also provides a listing of related books and Web sites.

Describes iron, where it comes from, its ancient and modern uses, the Iron Age, and the cause of rusting. Includes instructions for an experiment with iron oxidization.

Photographs and simple text introduce young readers to different kinds of gold and their uses.

Color photos fill this overview of diamonds, which describes their origins, what makes them sparkle, their ancient and modern uses, their popularity as engagement gems, and famous historical diamonds; presents instructions for a hands-on activity with crystals; and lists related books and Web sites.

Discusses the metal copper, focusing on its history, properties, and uses.

Briefly describes rain forests, telling where they are found and what plants and animals live there, particularly in the upper levels known as the canopy.

Highlights a number of the world's deserts, defines what constitutes a desert, and describes the environment, including some of the plants and animals that live in these arid regions.

Describes the physical features, climate, plant and animal life, and peoples of this North African desert.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and life cycle of sea otters living off the west coast of North America.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycles of various beetles.