When the Wind Blows

February 15, 2015
A poetic composition celebrates the power of the wind as a renewable-energy resource.The wind can make kites fly, beach balls roll away, balloons escape and even the shapes of clouds change. But when it blows offshore and makes turbine blades spin, energy is created that "powers a station / Charging the grid / That fuels our nation." The essential process of how wind turbines create electricity is succinctly explained in short, uneven rhyming stanzas, each beginning with the introductory line, "When the wind blows." Acrylic illustrations are done predominantly in shades of blue to reflect water and the daytime-nighttime sky. Double-page spreads present dramatic views of these lofty structures while also providing an interesting visual explanation of the mechanics involved. With the verse "When the wind blows / Blades rotate / Turning gears / Accelerate," a cutaway view reveals the gears inside the top of a turbine. Similarly, in the verse "When the wind blows / Copper whirls 'round / Between two magnets / High aboveground," another internal view shows the parts mentioned. Blustery, natural beach scenes yield to spreads that focus on the turbines, naturally leading to images of the electric grid that powers modern life, from lighthouses to light-rail tracks to electric cars. Intriguing, easily informative and even inspiring. (Informational picture book. 5-8)

April 1, 2015

K-Gr 3-What happens when the wind blows? This picture book demonstrates the significance of wind power. The story begins with a scene depicting summertime on the beach, where children run and play, "balloons escape," and "balls roll" and then transitions to the ocean, where a sailboat wends its way among powerful wind turbines. A maintenance worker climbs the tall ladder of a turbine, while the simple text explains that "magnetic forces use electrons as energy sources." The writing may be a bit challenging for some readers, but they'll learn that windmills power electricity throughout the United States, lighting up and heating homes, allowing trains and smart cars to run, and fueling lighthouses for safety at sea. Attractive watercolors depict the effects of wind power through accessible images that will resonate with readers, such as an image of the United States lit up, as seen from outer space. VERDICT This clear and fun explanation begs for storytime reading and will spark discussion. An enlightening, fresh effort.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015
Grades 1-4 At first glance, this seems like a typical day-at-the-beach tale, where the wind makes a kite soar, tugs balloons from a child's grasp, and sends a beach ball rolling along the sand. But when it reaches an offshore wind farm, things take a scientific turn. In rhyming four-line stanzas, Clark describes how windmills work ( When the wind blows / Magnetic forces / Use electrons / As energy sources ), converting wind into energy that travels through power lines to activate lights, heat and cool homes, and power electric cars and railroad tracks. With talk of magnets, copper coils, and circuits, this probably won't be a storytime pick, but its simple look at wind energy has great classroom potential that can easily segue into science lessons. Veteran illustrator Sneed splashes bright watercolors over two-page spreads that show the wind's journey from beach to bedroom lights. Concerned with broad concepts rather than detailed understanding, this offers a breezy introduction to wind energy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)