Hurricane and Tornado

Children's Literature

Although this title in the very popular "Eyewitness Books" series mentions just two of Mother Nature's mighty phenomena, young readers will find facts about all kinds of extreme weather between its covers. The oversized, hardback book explains everything from Alpine snow avalanches to Saharan desert sandstorms in concise, easytounderstand paragraphs. These snippets are illustrated with dramatic color photographs and simple, scientific diagrams. Although the pages are bursting with bits of information, young readers won't be confused or overwhelmed. The book organizes its guide to nature's most dangerous and destructive forces within short chapters, such as "Severe Winds" or "High Seas." The format makes it easy to flip through the pages to find a specific topic, or get a great overall understanding by reading the book covertocover. A complete subject index is found at the back of the book. Kids will love learning about weird and wild weather in this eyepopping book! 2000, Dorling Kindersley, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree