Ready, Set, Wait!

September 1, 2010

Gr 2-3-Teachers and homeschooling parents will appreciate this tidy package. It contains simple text; colorful pictures; and a raft of data, maps, diagrams, lists of storm prep for humans, and some scientific (and not-so-scientific) observations of animal behavior prior to the arrival of a hurricane. From humans stockpiling food, water, and batteries to reef fish packing in some extra calories to butterflies hiding in hollow trees, Zelch's quiet text and McLennan's realistic illustrations offer a glimpse of hurricane readiness in the natural world and our own. Adults are also directed to free online resources where they will find extra pointers, interactive quizzes, and the like to plump up their lesson plans. Useful, if uninspired.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2010
Preschool-G As a hurricane builds at sea, people in its path gather provisions and protect their homes. Meanwhile, a little boy wonders how animals prepare for the storm. The next 10 double-page spreads show different animals protecting themselves: fish search for food, then bolt into coral grooves and caves; sharks head for deep water; seagulls move inland; butterflies shelter in rocks and hollow trees; rabbits run for their burrows. The simply written story concludes when the hurricane reaches the shore. Readers who want to know more will find a wealth of information in the appended pages on hurricanes: their prediction and measurement, where they occur throughout the world (and what they are called in each locale), barometric pressure, storm surge, how children can help prepare for a hurricane, and which animals behaviors in the book have been documented. The back matter includes a list of scientists and researchers consulted. Clearly written and nicely illustrated with colorful paintings, this picture book will be a useful resource in hurricane-prone areas and an appealing addition to classroom units on weather.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)