National Geographic Readers: Weather

What causes thunder and lightning? How do different clouds form? What makes a tornado twist? Kids will discover the answers to these questions and more in this colorful, photo-packed book. In this inviting and entertaining format, kids will discover what causes the weather they experience every day. This level 1 reader is written in an easy-to-grasp style to encourage the meteorologists of tomorrow!

This introduction to weather is aimed at level 1 readers and addresses the basics of clouds, wind, lightning and thunder, etc. The first chapter invites readers to “Look Up at the Sky” and makes the point that if you’re peering out the window to see if it’s raining or sunny, then you are checking the weather. “Flat, gray clouds” means it’s likely to rain, but white, fluffy clouds indicate a beautiful day. Glossary terms are defined in boxes throughout (a “droplet” is a “very small bit of liquid”) and each of the short chapters includes a joke (“What did the cloud say to the lightning bolt?”*) Bright backgrounds feature crisp photographs and a concluding quiz invites readers to identify weather-related images. Cheerfully designed and with large typeface throughout, this will draw beginning readers who enjoy nonfiction. As an added incentive, the title is part of the National Geographic Super Readers program, which allows kids to download prizes and extras as a reward for reading. (*“You’re shocking!”) Preschool-Grade 2. --Ann Kelley

In her 16 years of writing for young readers, KRISTIN BAIRD RATTINI has explored subjects ranging from Star Wars to Stonehenge, from funny money facts to amazing animal pals. She's a frequent contributor to National Geographic Kids magazine.