Review by Booklist Review
Windy days come in all sorts of whimsical forms. Kerbel and Sato's energetic picture book takes a closer look at just how alive the wind can be. Bouncy, perfectly rhyming couplets capture its varying nature, from gentle and steady to swirly and gusty; breezy enough to fly a kite or strong enough to make whistling sounds on a stormy day. Sato's elaborate, meticulous cut-paper collage artwork depicts the motion of wind in fascinating vignettes that beautifully capture its movement, featuring cheery, softly rounded kids portrayed with just as much dynamic movement as the book's subject. The image on each double-page spread expands on the words, helping young readers grasp the concept of each type of movement. Easy to read for beginners, this book will introduce little ones to such words as sweep, blast, blow, blister, roar, spin, dance, sway, swirl, and icy. Back matter includes additional information about wind to help bolster the message. Add this to any collection of picture books related to the weather.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--As readers have come to expect from Kerbel, rhyming text and beautiful, textured cutout collage illustrations drive this book about the wonders of windy days throughout the seasons. A cast of children of many races and skin colors marvel at the power of the wind, benefit from the power it gives, and joyfully participate in wind play. The wind, cleverly depicted as a variety of curved, straight, and "curly cued" lines, create movement throughout the pages in tandem with the weather event/season illustrated. In addition, the inclusion of various types of clouds throughout the spreads establishes the relationship among the wind, cloud movement, and weather changes. Sato's use of various textures creates a three-dimensional, tactile vibe that is sure to pique and sustain the interest of children. The suggested activities and vocabulary at the end of the book will encourage readers to find their own fun, just like the children in the book, and will stimulate further conversations about the weather. VERDICT An enchanting STEM title that will ignite the investigative scientist in young children.--Tamela Chambers, Chicago P.L.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
See and feel what the wind can do. The gentle spring wind scatters seed. Everything is set spinning in a quick wind gust. It's good to be indoors when the stormy wind whistles. When the geese take flight in the autumn wind, it's time to fly a kite. A strong, steady wind turns a turbine to provide power. And what better way to enjoy the swirling, sawing wind than to play in the piles of fallen leaves? Sweeping winds can knock you off your feet and grab on to your umbrella. The restless wind howls and makes the Halloween night perfect. Even the icy, blustery wind that bites at your nose is an adventure. Kerbel follows the wind through the seasons, setting scenes with strong descriptive language in two-line verses with simple rhymes or near rhymes, all filled with movement and joy. A diverse cast of young children interact with the wind, which is depicted throughout as streaming white lines pushing through the air in Sato's wonderfully textured mixed-media collage illustrations that seamlessly match the scenes described. Readers will want to touch the children's sweaters, pick the luscious-looking apples hanging loosely on the tree, and jump into that beckoning pile of leaves. The concept of wind in all its varieties is explained simply and beautifully with just enough information for curious young readers. Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy. (experiments, vocabulary) (Picture book. 2-7) (Picture book. 2-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
