Inside Hurricanes

What makes a hurricane? Where do they strike? What do scientists learn from flying planes through these dangerous storms? Stunning photographs-taken on the ground and from space-as well as incredible gatefolds will help children understand this powerful, destructive force of nature. Inside Hurricanes includes dramatic first-person accounts from hurricane survivors and the latest science on how climate change will affect hurricanes, plus hands-on activities, maps, diagrams, and more.

School Library Journal

Gr 4 6—The illustrations in these cool series titles are enhanced by 10 large gatefolds that allow kids to dig deeper into the topics and enjoy amazing illustrations. Each title clearly defines fact and theory, leaving puzzles for the next generation of scientists to solve. Dinosaurs is sure to fascinate future paleontologists as well as children who just like dinosaurs with plenty of riveting details and awesome art by the anatomical illustrator of the American Museum of Natural History. Human Body touches on each of the body systems and provides a highly detailed look at a human cell. This would not be the book to pick up to learn more about reproduction. While the reproductive organs are clearly identified and an illustration of a baby growing in the womb is included, there is no discussion of how the sperm and egg meet. The simplistic illustrations and lack of punch make this title less successful than the others. Hurricanes has eye-catching photographs, clear information, and heart-stopping first-person narratives. Tornadoes provides an exceptional description of the conditions required to form a tornado and includes a foldout of a spectacular photo gallery. With the one exception noted above, these books are entertaining enough to draw in reluctant readers and packed with enough information to attract kids who are familiar with the topics.—Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN