Genre 4--Book Review 1

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 1989. STORMS. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
ISBN: 0-688-07413-8

SUMMARY

No need to hide under the bed any longer. After reading STORMS by award winning science writer Seymour Simon, young readers will understand how storms form, the catastrophic results from major storms, and how to protect themselves during a major weather event. The photo essay also describes various types of storms including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Simon also includes a short mention of storm myths and forecasting. Vivid photographs from several sources including the National Center for Atmospheric Research provide illustrations.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In his book, STORMS, writer Seymour Simon uses vivid language to effectively capture the nervous excitement associated with storms. His straightforward description such as “In twenty minutes, a single thunderstorm can drop 125 gallons of water and give off more electrical energy than is used in a large city during an entire week” helps young readers put storms in an understandable perspective. Simon uses appropriate scientific language such as “cumulonimbus,” “cells,” and “squall” while keeping the book simple enough for young children to understand. Because the book is a general survey and does not go into great detail about each particular type of storm, it would be best used as an introduction to the subject.

The exciting photographs on each page reveal storms as nature’s art. Full page images of lightning flashes charge across dark glossy pages are especially thrilling.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, April 1, 1989
The type is large and clear, and the information is sufficient for basic reports. --Rosanne Cerny

Review from BOOKLIST, March 1, 1989
The book's design is handsome; stark black backgrounds highlight dramatic weather photos, including a series of tornado shots that show the twister's growth and decline. An attractive, readable, and highly useful discussion. - Denise Wilms

Review from KIRKUS REVIEWS, February 15, 1989
A dramatic look at the formation of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, with spectacular, full-color photos on every page.

CONNECTIONS

Use as part of a unit study on weather. Include other books on weather by Simon including WEATHER and TORNADOES.

Make lightening artwork by drawing with white or silver crayons on black paper.

Use as part of a study on weather and extend the study with a webquest. A great example: http://davidson.k12.nc.us/webquests/weather/weather.htm

Use the instructions provided in the book to practice judging the distance of lightening by timing how long it takes to hear the thunder. Have students simulate lightening by flashing lights and thunder by using cymbals.

Make your own tornado with a vortex experiment. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/trythis/try4.html