Forecasts

November 1, 2015

K-Gr 3-Stressing forecast terminology rather than weather forces behind predictions, these titles offer simplistic overviews. Precipitation, the best of the series, introduces the water cycle and defines and illustrates the types of precipitation, such as rain, sleet, and hail. Temperature includes a debatable depiction of a heat wave (several temperatures over the period of a week are charted, with only one day that rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), and a cold spell in which temperatures plunge to 19 degrees Fahrenheit. The same volume claims that meteorologists "guess high and low temperatures." Schuetz also characterizes forecasts as "a number of guesses based on facts." Weather fronts are never brought up, although instruments such as thermometers, satellites, and hygrometers are mentioned. Cloud Cover stresses the percentage of visible sky designated by terms such as overcast and scattered but never mentions specific types of clouds. Stock photos do little to enliven the simple text. VERDICT Among these lackluster offerings, Precipitation is the best choice for collections needing an easy reader about weather.

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