Wind

PreS-Gr 2--Each of these books is part of the "Ready-to-Read" weather series, written at level one. In very simple language, they provide beginning readers with good basics on various aspects of weather. A fact page at the end of each book offers additional interesting information. Rain teaches a simplified version of the water cycle. Wind introduces the idea of the earth spinning and cool and warm air movements. Snowexplains how snowflakes form, and Clouds introduces cirrus, stratus, and cumulus clouds. Paula Parker reads each book in a measured, warm voice. Light music and sound effects are included but do not distract from the content. Page-turn signals are optional. Audio quality is excellent, and youngsters will enjoy perusing John Wallace's bold watercolor-and ink illustrations as they read along. Primary teachers will welcome this series for their reading centers.--Teresa Bateman. Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2-This beginning reader offers a simple introduction to an interesting topic. Bauer explains the general concept of how wind is produced and some of its tangible effects on our lives. For example, wind helps birds fly, carries plant seeds, and allows people to fly kites. It also moves clouds, makes waves, and can bend trees. "Wind can be scary. Or it can sing a gentle song." Wallace's watercolor artwork shows a young girl and her dog performing a variety of outdoor activities, the child's braids often flying in the breeze. The pictures help to clarify the text, which does a good job of introducing simple concepts and weather terms in an easy-reader format. Refer report writers to Arthur Dorros's Feel the Wind (1990) or Vicki Cobb's I Face the Wind (2003, both HarperCollins), both of which offer more thorough information for young readers.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.