Review by Booklist Review
This picture book describes sea and land conditions that represent the 12-point Beaufort wind force scale, the tool that measures wind speed. Beginning with a clear, calm morning, facing spreads show developing weather conditions gradually segueing from a light breeze to a moderate gale to a full-on hurricane. The text is written in rhymed couplets, some more successful than others, and describes what's happening outdoors while following the activities of one family. The appealing illustrations align with the text, featuring dramatic hues that change as the weather turns, and adding details that help distinguish between levels (dry leaves skitter in gutters at level two and blow around at level three). Backmatter includes additional information about the Beaufort scale, a helpful chart that uses examples young readers should be able to relate to, a glossary, and a list of suggested readings. Reassuring and informative, this engaging STEM offering serves as a solid introduction to that mysterious, invisible force called wind (and comes just in time for spring).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In elegant rhyme, Boyle (Blink!) introduces the Beaufort wind force scale, with "each stanza , in order, one of the thirteen categories." As a dark-haired, light-skinned child and guardian walk their dog, the wind progresses from calm air and breezes to gale, storm, and finally hurricane force. Internal and end rhymes pack a sensory punch, inviting readers to observe the effects of different wind types. Alternating neighborhood and beach scene shows wind speed still climbing ("Watch the smoke of campfires rise--/ tendrils drift toward clouded skies./ Flames that lick, sparks that flicker;/ now the breeze grows bolder, quicker"). As the wind reaches hurricane force, the visuals skew slightly improbable, maintaining a feeling of safety as the family cozily storm-watches through a massive, uncovered window: "When the hurricane comes roiling,/ popcorn's popped, the kettle's boiling." In her picture book debut, Paik employs stylized, softly textured illustrations that center the child, including at the post-hurricane neighborhood cleanup. An age-appropriate meteorological foray. Back matter includes an author's note explaining why wind occurs, the history of the Beaufort scale, a full-page graphic of the scale with descriptions of observable effects--on land and sea--of various wind speeds, a glossary, and a reading list. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--This poetic depiction of wind from gentle breeze to hurricane force winds periodically falters. The story describes the wind in a series of poetic stanzas which range in length and sometimes lack scansion or flow. The extensive back matter includes the entire Beaufort Wind Chart and claims that each stanza represents one of the 13 categories on the scale. The art depicts two families, one presented as tan, with black hair, and one presented as white, as they encounter the wind at different stages leading up to a hurricane, and culminating with a post-storm community clean-up effort. The full-bleed illustrations are lovely, with flowing movement and a color palette that ranges from pinks and purples for sunrise, to a sunny blue-sky day, to the dark of a hurricane. The people and houses have a slightly blocky, digital feel, but the movement represented in the nature scenes and the gentle colors work together to create an appealing whole. The text bogs down on a couple of pages with multiple stanzas; nevertheless, the lush illustrations and nature theme are likely to appeal to many. VERDICT Libraries in need of more books on wind and the environment will find this a dutiful, if not required, addition to their shelves.--Amy Lilien-Harper, Wilton Lib., CT
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Hear the wind blow, and see the ocean react, as the story unfolds. Spanning several eventful days, the story begins with "a kiss of air-- / a soft breath, a phantom wisp," escalates to a "hurricane [that] comes whirling," and culminates as neighbors work to clean up after "winds calm down. / Stillness echoes through the town." Carefully chosen words and a varied color palette emphasize each moment. An uncluttered illustration of a suburban street in clear pastel colors is paired with "Bend an ear to the breeze-- / hear the scuffling, ruffling flutter-- / leaves go scuttling in the gutter." When the storm intensifies, a midnight-blue sea buffets the seaside town and supports the lines: "Now the windstorm whips and wails-- / sucks at sand and billows sails. / Shut the doors! Stay inside. / A storm approaches! You must hide." As the story progresses, the stanzas lengthen to describe the storm's fury, a family sheltering at home, and a community rebuilding. When the story is complete, an author's note explains the underlying structure of the poem. "Each stanza represents, in order, one of the thirteen categories of the Beaufort wind force scale." Additional backmatter explains the scale's origin and provides a detailed chart listing the wind speeds, sea effects, and land effects for each category in the scale. Illustrations show a diverse community of young families; all three members of the heteronormative focal family have pale skin and straight black hair. An artful blend of language, illustration, and science. (glossary, suggested reading) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
