April 1, 2012
K-Gr 3-This solid series is a commendable approach to weather studies, meeting early elementary standards for science education. The pleasing photos (illustrating the smallest water droplet to the largest puffy white cloud) and colorful format will hold readers' interest. The descriptive narrations are punctuated with text boxes and interactive questions that prompt students to hypothesize, assimilate facts, observe, conclude, and experiment. Each installment encourages scientific inquiry in a fun way and includes a "Science Lab" activity. On rare occasions, word definitions are vague, e.g., "gas" is defined in the glossary as "a form of matter that spreads out to fill all the space of whatever it is in." But in sum, this series is credible and creative.
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2012
These brief books emphasize the hydrological component of weather in simple, clear prose. Captioned photographs and drawings are bright and appropriate; each book includes a question for the reader and a "Science Lab" exercise. The series overlaps in multiple ways, which may bore a reader who understood the first time. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)