About the Author

Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator," according to the Washington Post. Winner of the 2010 Regina Award, she has written and illustrated more than fifty books for Holiday House. She lives in Corinth, Vermont.

Reviews

K-Gr 3-Gibbons uses her trademark watercolor cartoon images and simple text to introduce readers to scientific information. Descriptions of tornado mechanics and creation are followed by a discussion of the Fujita Tornado Scale. Six spreads demonstrate the various levels of severity (0 to 5) and describe the wind speeds and damages typically caused by storms of each scale. Descriptions of Tornado Alley, meteorologists, warning information, and tips on what to do during a tornado follow. A spread on the Great Tri-State Tornado references human casualties. The last page includes some additional facts, including a mention about the direction that tornadoes spin, and referrals to the NOAA and Environment Canada Web sites. While Gibbons's style is appealing and accessible, the scientific nature of the information might be better served with more realistic images.-S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"Younger readers and listeners alike will be riveted."