Nonfiction Monday

Weather in 30 Seconds by Dr. Jen Green (in consultation with Professor Adam Scaife) with illustrations by Tom Woolley will keep young readers engrossed as they explore the rich variety of subjects covered in 30 topics. Six sections: Earth’s Weather, Climate and Seasons, All Kinds of Weather, Extreme Weather, Predicting the Weather, and Climate Change provide readers with clear organization and each begins with a Glossary of words pertinent to the content. Each of the topics covered in the section offers brief, well-written and fact-filled discussions paired with a 3-second summary, and an activity.

Earth’s Weather provides a thoughtful discussion of the sun, atmosphere, oceans and seas, winds, and the ways in which they influence weather. The final discussion in the section, Weather Power, looks at how sun, wind and rain are used to produce power. Climate and Seasons offers insights into how climate and weather differ, and looks at biomes, microclimates, seasons, and how animals and people adapt to varying climates. 

All Kinds of Weather delves more deeply into the water cycle with particular attention on rain and snow fall and the relation to high and low pressure. Extreme Weather covers not only the many different types of stormy weather, but also droughts. Predicting the Weather builds on the previous sections to examine the tools and methods employed in meteorology.  The final section, Climate Change, pulls the entire book together with a thoughtful exploration of forces behind climate change, effects of global warming, and future weather.

Each subject is paired with colorful illustrations. Reader-friendly content, thoughtful discussions, and a broad range of topics make this book an excellent resource for home or school.

Recommended as a handy introduction to a subject that we all must deal with on a daily basis.