Stone by Stone

What we build matters, as explored in this thought-provoking look at the rock cycle and human ingenuity.

From ancient cairns to castles to the Great Wall of China to stone sculptures in museums, what we build says a lot about who we are, what we value, what we fear, and who we aspire to be. And it all starts deep, deep below the earth’s surface. It starts with a stone. 

Meticulously researched and stunningly illustrated, Stone by Stone invites readers to consider how the rock cycle, engineering, and human history connect. Beginning under the earth, the text takes readers through the rock cycle with striking and dramatic detail before moving above ground to show how humans have used stones across history to build, connect, divide, and reimagine our place on Earth. 

Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s art vibrates with energy, capturing the pure fire of the earth and the spirit of invention that lives inside all of us, while Melissa Koch’s poetic text quietly urges readers to think about the human side of science. Changed by billions of years and shaped by human hands, the stones that line our streets, buildings, and homes are a part of our story. Earth’s story. 

The robust back matter includes more information on the rock cycle, engineering, stone usage throughout history as well as a timeline, bibliography, and resources.