Little cloud The science of a hurricane

Rarely has severe weather been so sweetly packaged as in this story of Nate, a little cloud that becomes a hurricane. Cheerfully illustrated with digital artwork in saturated colors, Nate's journey from the west coast of Africa to North America is swirling with weather facts, knowledgeably presented by the book's meteorologist author. The cumulus cloud steadily morphs and gains strength, first as a tropical disturbance and depression before earning an official name (Nate!) from scientists when he grows into a tropical storm. When he at last achieves hurricane status, readers watch as a diverse community prepares for Nate's arrival. Diagrams of the water cycle, hurricane categories, and hurricane components support the text, helping kids grasp scientific processes in a meaningful way. The fictional narrative of Nate functions as the book's primary text, appearing in large-size font with scientific explanations printed in small type elsewhere on the page. A few concepts might require additional clarification, but, on the whole, Wagstaffe offers age-appropriate, precise descriptions of a fascinating weather event that young readers will enjoy learning about.--Julia Smith Copyright 2019 Booklist

An on-air meteorologist chronicles the development of a hurricane for very young readers and listeners.In her simple primary narrative, Wagstaffe tells the story of the development of a small, anthropomorphic cloud. Formed from evaporation and condensation off the west coast of Africa, it grows into a tropical disturbance, then a depression, and finally a hurricane with a proper name, Nate. A second, smaller block of text labeled "Weather Fact" on each page or spread provides further facts about hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. The cheery, digitally collaged illustrations add even more information, including names of cloud formations; parts of the water cycle; and both the stages and the anatomy of hurricanes. As Nate's journey continues, he (having gained a gender with the name) travels across the ocean and nears land, where people make preparations. Luckily, he's slowed before making landfall, and his winds have weakened. He shrinks to a serious rainstorm and finally a small cloud again. Illogically, and contrary to geographical facts, "he realized he would roll over the tall mountains along the coast before he made landfall." A final spread includes more hurricane facts, including the potential effects of global climate change. Canadian scientist Wagstaffe is accurately shown as a blonde white woman reporting the storm on TV; other humans in the illustrations are racially diverse.Probably clear enough for early weather watchers. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.