The gigantic swirling storms called hurricanes bring heavy rains, flooding, and destructive winds.

REVIEWS:

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH

Gr 3-6. An updated edition of Simon’s 2003 title, this book presents a definition and etymology of the term, descriptions of tropical storms, the names of significant disasters, the formation and behavior of hurricanes, and the resulting storm surges. A…

Gr 3-6. An updated edition of Simon's 2003 title, this book presents a definition and etymology of the term, descriptions of tropical storms, the names of significant disasters, the formation and behavior of hurricanes, and the resulting storm surges. A passage on the Saffir-Simpson scale presents accounts and photos of the damage of the five categories. A closing section deals with forecasting, warnings, and precautions. The changes since the original include the addition of the Australian term for hurricanes; the replacement of a passage on Hurricane Andrew (1992) with coverage of Katrina (2005), with Andrew replacing Opal (1995) as an example of a Category 4 hurricane; deletion of a passage warning that New Orleans is potentially in danger of a serious hurricane; two replacement photos; and new cover art featuring the Smithsonian logo. This is a typical Simon effort, with readable text and excellent photos. Featuring alternating pages of clear text and outstanding graphics, this book meets Simon's usual high standards. The origins of the word hurricane; definitions of cyclones and typhoons; the Saffir-Simpson scale and descriptions of category one through five storms; the formation and structure of this weather phenomenon; and related events, such as storm surges, are all covered. Extraordinary historical occurrences, such as Galveston's 1900 storm and Hurricane Andrew of 1992, are described. There is also a section on forecasting, practical information on watches and warnings, and details about what to do before and after a hurricane. The full-color photos, including a satellite image of a storm and scenes of devastation, are not only spectacular, but also informative. The writing is precise and accurate and the format is appealing. A natural selection for any library.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, Susan Hepler, Ph.D.

Simon rounds out his collection of other weather books—Earthquakes, Lightening, Storms, Tornadoes, Volcanoes, and Wildfires—with this informational narrative about hurricanes, the swirling havoc-wreaking storms that blow up from the tropics. Calling hurricanes the worst storms because they are more widespread…

Simon rounds out his collection of other weather books—Earthquakes, Lightening, Storms, Tornadoes, Volcanoes, and Wildfires—with this informational narrative about hurricanes, the swirling havoc-wreaking storms that blow up from the tropics. Calling hurricanes the worst storms because they are more widespread than the compressed tornado, Simon tells readers how to differentiate tropical depressions, from tropical storms and hurricanes. Text explains the natural conditions that cause these storms, the workings of one from the eye out, a hurricane's spawn of tornadoes, and also describes in depth the 1900 Galveston hurricane that killed at least 12,000 people and changed the shoreline of the city. Floyd and Andrew get their day in the sun, as well. In keeping with the format of Simon's informational books, the often eloquent pictures are uncaptioned and readers must view them as complementary to the text but without any extra information appended. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (Category 1 to 5) is explained with generic damage pictures to give readers a visual sense of bad to worst. Simon explains ways in which forecasters foretell hurricanes and explains that this has resulted in fewer modern-day deaths. The text ends with how one can prepare for a hurricane and tips for surviving in the days afterwards. Readable information that seems to flow naturally from part to part, a minimum of italicized words, and large size photographs make the book an inviting introduction to the curious and while the book's depth of information needs someone with a little background to understand it, younger children could learn much by talking about this book with an adult, as well. Ages 7 to 11.

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BOOKLIST, John Peters

Gr. 3-4. Pairing a simply phrased narrative with arresting, eye-catching color photos, Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential. After introducing hurricanes (and their lesser cousins, tropical storms and tropical depressions), he describes…

Gr. 3-4. Pairing a simply phrased narrative with arresting, eye-catching color photos, Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential. After introducing hurricanes (and their lesser cousins, tropical storms and tropical depressions), he describes how the storms develop and are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and supplies recent examples before closing with advice for readers who might find themselves in a hurricane's path. The uncaptioned illustrations include satellite photos, ground-level scenes of flooded streets, computer enhanced radar images, and shots of storm victims being rescued. The lack of an index or further resources may hamper assignment-driven children, but like most of Simon's other work, this is unsurpassed for kindling interest in a scientific subject and communicating an understanding of its scope and significance.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved.

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