Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane

by Johanna Wagstaffe, Julie McLaughlin (Illustrator)

Overview

Follow our little cloud on an adventure through the sky and learn the science behind how it transforms from a simple cumulus cloud to a full-blown hurricane. Beautifully detailed illustrations from award-winning artist Julie McLaughlin integrate science with storytelling. Children will enjoy finding new gems of information even after several reads, thanks to a whimsical and rich layout. And meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe weaves a comprehensive narrative about a powerful weather system that’s so compelling readers won’t even realize they are on their way to becoming budding meteorologists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459821842
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	02/18/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.38(d)
Lexile:	AD910L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Johanna Wagstaffe is the meteorologist and science host for CBC Vancouver and CBC News Network. With a background in seismology, geophysics and earth science, Johanna has covered a wide range of science stories, from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami to the Paris Climate Change Conference. She lives in Vancouver.

Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator whose work includes commissions for editorial, advertising and publishing clients from around the world. Her previous books have been nominated for several awards, and she won the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction for Why We Live Where We Live (OwlKids). Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.

Editorial Reviews

This little book is a good investment in introductory knowledge about an intriguing meteorological phenomenon. With the basic information provided by Little Cloud, kids will be better equipped to understand and become involved in a fascinating branch of science. Highly Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Colorful illustrations and kid-friendly text combine to make this title a wonderful addition…A great title to complement any weather, STEM, or STEAM unit. Highly recommended.

School Library Connection

Rarely has severe weather been so sweetly packaged as in this story of Nate, a little cloud that becomes a hurricane.

Booklist

A book that is accessible and descriptive without overwhelming the target audience. Anyone interested in worrisome weather will be intrigued and informed.

Sal's Fiction Addiction

Excellent way to introduce young readers to the science of hurricanes. Would make an excellent purchase for elementary school libraries or classrooms. Presents the science of hurricanes in a cute non-threatening way.

Must Read Lit: K thru YA

Rarely has severe weather been so sweetly packaged as in this story of Nate, a little cloud that becomes a hurricane.

Booklist

01/10/2020

K-Gr 3—Readers follow a fictional cloud named Nate as it changes from a cumulus cloud to a hurricane. The narrative also includes facts about clouds and weather. Nate's journey is set in a larger font than the scientific facts. Rich mixed-media artwork supports the text. While the information is valuable and the story may be compelling to children, the varying text sizes could confuse students who are taught to strictly identify works as fiction or nonfiction. The personification of the cloud muddies the ability to fully label the work as nonfiction. The small font and high-level vocabulary could make it difficult for young readers to use the title for research purposes. VERDICT An optional purchase for collections with a high turnover of weather-related books. Students conducting research would be better served by other accessible weather series.—Kate Olson, Bangor School District, WI

School Library Journal

2019-09-29
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)

Kirkus Reviews

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