Poetry and information combine for a joyful and illuminating look at wind. Mixed-media illustrations dance through the pages, concluding with additional resources to discover more about wind.
Wind Is a Dance
Join children as they enjoy each month, the change of seasons, and the pleasures it brings. Short, rhythmic poems are sure to engage as readers view the simple, colorful illustrations for a satisfying look at a year of changes.
Round and Round the Year We Go
A shower forces a child and her father indoors where they continue to share a playful afternoon. Lots of onomatopoeia and lively illustrations depict the warmth and fun of a rainy day shared.
On a Rainy Day
New Orleans is known as a place where hurricanes happen … but that’s just one side of the story. Children of New Orleans tell about their experiences of Hurricane Katrina through poignant and straightforward free verse in this fictional account of the storm. Books like this can help children contextualize and discuss difficult events.
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen
What is wind? How does it help people and animals? Is there wind in space? These and other intriguing questions are asked then briefly answered on each briskly illustrated double page spread. Though there is no back matter, both author and illustrator thank authoritative sources.
Wind
Plum, a peacock, and other animals from the Athensville Zoo are excited and a bit nervous about going on a school visit. Unfortunately, a blizzard upsets the plans, and the peacock and others are stuck in the school until Plum figures out a way to get them out. Short chapters in this standalone companion to Leave it to Plum! is heavily illustrated and sure to tickle readers
A Snow Day for Plum!
Rain and more rain on a gray and dreary day as a child walks their dog. A found yellow umbrella scatters in the wind — but the next day, when the child and pet are again walking, they find a field of yellow umbrellas that they share to create sunshine. Black and white line cartoon illustrations punctuated by yellow accompany the staccato text, ideal for reading aloud.
The Umbrella
In this hands-on science book, kids learn how to make a barometer, record their observations in a Weather Log, use graphs and charts, read the cloud and wind direction, and look to the sunset glow to make more accurate predictions.
The Kid’s Book of Weather Forecasting
On Monday, a small mouse notices a fluffy snowflake and wonders how high it will go. On successive days of the week, snow accumulates, covering animals one-by-one. Lyrical language creates a rhythmic pattern accompanied by softly-hued illustrations — first covering, then uncovering them — as the snow melts.
So Much Snow
In this winter fable about where snow comes from, Little Snow, who wears snowflake pajamas, gets a new featherbed for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping, but when she leaves the room, he jumps and jumps on his bed … until one day it rips, sending feathers flying. A page turn reveals that his feathers are snowflakes, falling on a nghttime city block.
A Big Bed for Little Snow
In the midst of a whirling snowfall, a girl and her father pile into their big red snow plow. Through slippery streets, up winding hills, they race — clearing the snow and heading for the train station to meet a very special traveler. The rhyming text is just right for one or two readers.
Snowy Race
A meteorologist tries to enlighten the handsome but clueless anchorman about weather, weather forecasting, and climate. The comic book format presents complex information about climate change, balancing it with just the right amount of humor. Advice to prepare for emergency preparedness and a glossary are included. Transportation and car enthusiasts will enjoy Science Comics: Cars Engines that Move You (opens in a new window) by Dan Zettwoch.
Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate
A snowy landscape: “Brrr… Invierno. Winter.” But winter turns to spring, then summer, followed by autumn, and finally a new year. Single words in both English and Spanish combine with gentle illustrations to present children and families throughout the seasons.
Dias y dias / Days and Days
Tornadoes are complex weather phenomena that can be highly destructive. Follow scientist and storm-chaser, Robin Tanamachi, as she researches the genesis of tornadoes and tornadic behavior. Dramatic photographs show not only storm clouds but the aftermath. Charts and other graphics help explain more technical aspects of tornadoes.
The Tornado Scientist: Seeing Inside Severe Storms
Summer brings hot weather and cooling activities. From lemonade and watermelon, to outdoor play and thunderstorms, summer is presented in full color photographs and lyrical language. Witness children of different ages experience the warmth and pleasure of summer in all of its glory.
Hello Summer!
A puddle laments the rain and some of those who run over and in her. That is until the last school bell rings and she reflects the beautiful colors of the sky’s rainbow. Semiabstract watercolors combine with a rhythmic text just right to share aloud.
Puddle
A fox emerges from its burrow to find food in a snowy landscape, hunting a mouse and a hare. The fox becomes the hunted when a wolverine emerges from another lair. The small fox makes it back to its den where it can find safety and rest. Dramatic illustrations and lyrical narration effectively tell a realistic story.
Little Fox in the Snow
As seasons change, days get shorter and colder. Animals adapt, children await snow, and there are holidays to celebrate. Straightforward text and crisp photographs document winter and introduce some of its characteristics in informative yet poetic narration.
Hello Winter!
When Bear invites Izzy, a small chipmunk, to his home, she knows that it must be very important; Bear never asks for much. Izzy and other animal friends brave a blizzard to get to Bear’s to share a very special occasion. Illustrations from varied perspectives add humor and heart to the tale of warm friendship on a cold night.
Got to Get to Bear’s!
Snowflakes begin to fall as almost everyone says goodnight. But the snowplow and its driver are just gearing up for a long night. Morning comes with closed schools but clear streets and only then do the snowplow and driver say good night! Richly hued illustrations and gently rhyming text present a snowy night’s work.
Good Morning, Snowplow!
Weather forecasters didn’t expect much from a storm that approached New York City in 1888 so they left for the day. What became a devastating blizzard is presented here in vivid detail with period photographs and riveting narrative. Contemporary readers will recognize many of the changes that were put in place because of this powerful storm.
Blizzard: The Storm That Changed America
They may appear similar but can really be different. Think noodles and pasta are the same? What about a clementine and a mandarin orange? They’re similar but different. Readers will encounter seemingly same pairs and discover what makes them unique in this handsomely illustrated and fact-filled volume.
What’s the Difference? 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar
Jack and Annie are transported back in time to 1900. No one in Galveston, Texas, believes that a devastating hurricane is about to hit. What can be done to save the residents? This satisfying addition to the series may be enhanced with the Magic Tree House Fact Checker: Texas (opens in a new window).
Hurricane Heroes in Texas (Magic Tree House)
Why is it a good day for ducks? “Rain is falling…Drip drop, drip drop…” A boy and a girl put on their rain gear to splash around and watch ducks play in puddles. Gentle watercolors illustrate the alliterative, repeating text to capture the fun of a rainy day.