Tornadoes!

June 1, 2009
K-Gr 3-Gibbons uses her trademark watercolor cartoon images and simple text to introduce readers to scientific information. Descriptions of tornado mechanics and creation are followed by a discussion of the Fujita Tornado Scale. Six spreads demonstrate the various levels of severity (0 to 5) and describe the wind speeds and damages typically caused by storms of each scale. Descriptions of Tornado Alley, meteorologists, warning information, and tips on what to do during a tornado follow. A spread on the Great Tri-State Tornado references human casualties. The last page includes some additional facts, including a mention about the direction that tornadoes spin, and referrals to the NOAA and Environment Canada Web sites. While Gibbons's style is appealing and accessible, the scientific nature of the information might be better served with more realistic images."S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2009
Grades 1-3 Even the normally low-key, matter-of-fact Gibbons cant resist getting wound up by her spectacularly violent topic. Pairing clearly presented basic facts and terms with spattered watercolor scenes of widespread destruction, she explains the weather conditions that engender tornadoes, squires readers through each of the five increasingly powerful stages of the recently developed Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale, highlights two of the most devastating tornadoes recorded in this country, and closes with tips on staying safe when a twister threatens. Younger readers and listeners alike will be riveted by this melodramatic but, as ever, informative introduction to the weather phenomenon. Web sites and a smattering of quick facts round out this useful book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)