Little Cloud

January 10, 2020

K-Gr 3-Readers follow a fictional cloud named Nate as it changes from a cumulus cloud to a hurricane. The narrative also includes facts about clouds and weather. Nate's journey is set in a larger font than the scientific facts. Rich mixed-media artwork supports the text. While the information is valuable and the story may be compelling to children, the varying text sizes could confuse students who are taught to strictly identify works as fiction or nonfiction. The personification of the cloud muddies the ability to fully label the work as nonfiction. The small font and high-level vocabulary could make it difficult for young readers to use the title for research purposes. VERDICT An optional purchase for collections with a high turnover of weather-related books. Students conducting research would be better served by other accessible weather series.-Kate Olson, Bangor School District, WI

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2019
An on-air meteorologist chronicles the development of a hurricane for very young readers and listeners. In her simple primary narrative, Wagstaffe tells the story of the development of a small, anthropomorphic cloud. Formed from evaporation and condensation off the west coast of Africa, it grows into a tropical disturbance, then a depression, and finally a hurricane with a proper name, Nate. A second, smaller block of text labeled "Weather Fact" on each page or spread provides further facts about hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. The cheery, digitally collaged illustrations add even more information, including names of cloud formations; parts of the water cycle; and both the stages and the anatomy of hurricanes. As Nate's journey continues, he (having gained a gender with the name) travels across the ocean and nears land, where people make preparations. Luckily, he's slowed before making landfall, and his winds have weakened. He shrinks to a serious rainstorm and finally a small cloud again. Illogically, and contrary to geographical facts, "he realized he would roll over the tall mountains along the coast before he made landfall." A final spread includes more hurricane facts, including the potential effects of global climate change. Canadian scientist Wagstaffe is accurately shown as a blonde white woman reporting the storm on TV; other humans in the illustrations are racially diverse. Probably clear enough for early weather watchers. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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November 15, 2019
Grades K-3 Rarely has severe weather been so sweetly packaged as in this story of Nate, a little cloud that becomes a hurricane. Cheerfully illustrated with digital artwork in saturated colors, Nate's journey from the west coast of Africa to North America is swirling with weather facts, knowledgeably presented by the book's meteorologist author. The cumulus cloud steadily morphs and gains strength, first as a tropical disturbance and depression before earning an official name (Nate!) from scientists when he grows into a tropical storm. When he at last achieves hurricane status, readers watch as a diverse community prepares for Nate's arrival. Diagrams of the water cycle, hurricane categories, and hurricane components support the text, helping kids grasp scientific processes in a meaningful way. The fictional narrative of Nate functions as the book's primary text, appearing in large-size font with scientific explanations printed in small type elsewhere on the page. A few concepts might require additional clarification, but, on the whole, Wagstaffe offers age-appropriate, precise descriptions of a fascinating weather event that young readers will enjoy learning about.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)