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Wind Is a Dance
Poetic text and ethereal illustrations combine with science facts about wind in this delightful informational picture book.
“You can feel wind … but you can’t see it. What is wind?” This exploration of different types of wind pairs lyrical descriptions of wind types with accessible, informational sidebars about each. The whimsical narrative uses metaphor to help readers visualize wind’s characteristics: “Wind is a butterfly – fluffing flower petals and ruffling riverbank grasses.” Informative bubbles on each page compliment these descriptions with short explanations of each wind type, which range from a light breeze to a hurricane. Evocative illustrations further bring the text to life in this fascinating introduction to the ever-changing wind.
Author Debra Kempf Shumaker uses figurative language and metaphors to capture the imagination of readers as they learn about wind. Her imagery will inspire readers to find their own words to represent the world around them, and in particular to answer the question at the end of the book: “How would you describe the wind today?” The breezy illustrations by award-winning, bestselling artist Josée Bisaillon help readers feel the movement of the air. With its easy-to-understand depictions of the types of wind, this is a perfect STEAM pick for lessons on daily and seasonal weather. More information about types of wind, the Beaufort scale and a list of resources for further learning are at the back of the book.
“You can feel wind … but you can’t see it. What is wind?” This exploration of different types of wind pairs lyrical descriptions of wind types with accessible, informational sidebars about each. The whimsical narrative uses metaphor to help readers visualize wind’s characteristics: “Wind is a butterfly – fluffing flower petals and ruffling riverbank grasses.” Informative bubbles on each page compliment these descriptions with short explanations of each wind type, which range from a light breeze to a hurricane. Evocative illustrations further bring the text to life in this fascinating introduction to the ever-changing wind.
Author Debra Kempf Shumaker uses figurative language and metaphors to capture the imagination of readers as they learn about wind. Her imagery will inspire readers to find their own words to represent the world around them, and in particular to answer the question at the end of the book: “How would you describe the wind today?” The breezy illustrations by award-winning, bestselling artist Josée Bisaillon help readers feel the movement of the air. With its easy-to-understand depictions of the types of wind, this is a perfect STEAM pick for lessons on daily and seasonal weather. More information about types of wind, the Beaufort scale and a list of resources for further learning are at the back of the book.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
62 people want to read
About the author
Debra Kempf Shumaker
5 books33 followersDebra started reading at the age of four and hasn't stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now lives in the suburbs of Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons, and two cats.
She is the author of picture books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH and PECULIAR PRIMATES with Running Press Kids, TELL SOMEONE with Albert Whitman, and the upcoming WIND IS A DANCE with Running Press Kids.
She is the author of picture books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH and PECULIAR PRIMATES with Running Press Kids, TELL SOMEONE with Albert Whitman, and the upcoming WIND IS A DANCE with Running Press Kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 26, 2025
Read for my toddler as a story time. This book is excellent. Fiction along with nonfiction. My new favorite kind of books for kids!
This book compared wind is like a dance. Slow dance is like calming wind like a breeze. There's the definition for breeze and an example of what kids can do with a breeze. A breeze kids can blow bubbles. A stronger breeze kids can fly kites. Another page explained wind is like playing sports. There's definition for headwind and tailwind. Another page compared wind is comparable to an excited puppy. This wind is called a gale where twigs may break and leaves get tossed around. The wind increased speed and destruction to become blizzard, derecho, hurricane, and eventually tornado. There are tips on what people can do when the wind becomes severe and destructive. The definitions were helpful. I also loved further explanation at the end of the book about each type of wind along with the measurements of wind.
Excellent story and illustrations!
Thank you Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review!
This book compared wind is like a dance. Slow dance is like calming wind like a breeze. There's the definition for breeze and an example of what kids can do with a breeze. A breeze kids can blow bubbles. A stronger breeze kids can fly kites. Another page explained wind is like playing sports. There's definition for headwind and tailwind. Another page compared wind is comparable to an excited puppy. This wind is called a gale where twigs may break and leaves get tossed around. The wind increased speed and destruction to become blizzard, derecho, hurricane, and eventually tornado. There are tips on what people can do when the wind becomes severe and destructive. The definitions were helpful. I also loved further explanation at the end of the book about each type of wind along with the measurements of wind.
Excellent story and illustrations!
Thank you Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review!
October 1, 2024
"Wind is a Dance" is a children's informational and poetic children's book written
by Debra Kempf Shumaker and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon.
On each spread, we have a lyrical poem about the wind as well as a colored box of text explaining what is causes the effect such as a headwind or gale force. I like the shapes the wind turns into, such as a puppy, a whisk, or boxing gloves. The end of the book asks, "How would you describe the wind today?" Now that you've had some good examples, you can probably come up with your own good analogies or compare it to one that was described in the book.
The end of the book has more information about the wind and the glossary of words to describe wind at different forces. Next, there is a chart called Measuring Wind with info about the Beaufort Scale. Finally is a description of an Anemometer, an instrument used to measure wind, as well as book and website sources for more information.
This book would be great for a science lesson on the wind and weather or a literature lesson about descriptive words or analogies.
This book is highly recommended for classrooms, children's libraries, and in the home of kids interested in weather.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kids Can Press, and Debra Kempf Shumaker for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
by Debra Kempf Shumaker and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon.
On each spread, we have a lyrical poem about the wind as well as a colored box of text explaining what is causes the effect such as a headwind or gale force. I like the shapes the wind turns into, such as a puppy, a whisk, or boxing gloves. The end of the book asks, "How would you describe the wind today?" Now that you've had some good examples, you can probably come up with your own good analogies or compare it to one that was described in the book.
The end of the book has more information about the wind and the glossary of words to describe wind at different forces. Next, there is a chart called Measuring Wind with info about the Beaufort Scale. Finally is a description of an Anemometer, an instrument used to measure wind, as well as book and website sources for more information.
This book would be great for a science lesson on the wind and weather or a literature lesson about descriptive words or analogies.
This book is highly recommended for classrooms, children's libraries, and in the home of kids interested in weather.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kids Can Press, and Debra Kempf Shumaker for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2024
What is wind? This is the question that is answered in this delightful book [and not always in the way you expect], with fantastic illustrations and a lovely story about wind and what it is and what it represents and just how we can "see" it. Filled with so many things to look at and discuss, and a section with notes and sources at the back, this is an excellent book for littles who are endlessly curious [and their adults]. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Debra Kempf Shumaker, Josée Bisaillon - Illustrator, and Kids Can Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Debra Kempf Shumaker, Josée Bisaillon - Illustrator, and Kids Can Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this beautiful non-fiction picture book. With lyrical text and simple metaphors, Debra Shumaker teaches us about the different types of wind. Moving from light breezes ("Wind is a butterfly") to hurricanes ("Wind is a whisk), the poems will be accessible for young children. Older kids will like the more detailed science facts on each page. I loved the delicate illustrations, which look as if they were painted and left out in breezy weather. There's back matter for further learning as well as a scale for measuring wind.
August 9, 2024
Oh, I’m such a fan of picture books that mix poetry with non-fiction facts, and this one does not disappoint! The author uses fabulous metaphors, similes, and other lyrical language devices to describe different kinds of wind. For example, she writes: “Wind is a butterfly – fluffing flower petals and ruffling riverbank grasses” to define “a breeze” and “Wind is a boxer – jabbing, snapping, throwing snow until everything is buried in white” to describe “a blizzard.” Simply gorgeous writing throughout. Sidebars are included on each spread, as well as additional back matter, with more information about each type of wind. In addition to the wonderful writing, the illustrations are bright, bold and breathtaking. Highly recommend.
September 29, 2024
Only the other week I was charmed by a book in verse for the very young concerning the water cycle (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) – this is similar, but different. It borrows from verse in using metaphors for all the different winds, which include one I've never heard of. This allows visually for the winds to be anything from wispy, diaphanous tutus to ghost puppies to phantom cosmic whisks, as we learn how different strengths of wind have different behaviours and effects and cause different problems – and how they all come about in the first place. The issue here is a common one, however – the pages need two voices on them, one to do the poetical, artistic stuff, and the other to convey the science, and they just interrupt each other too much. OK, so the science is not breaking into the verse and spoiling the rhythm and rhyme like with some such books, but it is added to at the end, and so might perhaps have all waited until then and not strayed onto the more artful spreads we started with. All the same, it's a clash that reduces the charm here, so three and a half stars for the effective accuracy it does have.
January 6, 2025
This informational picture book introduces young children ages 4-8 to the science concept of wind. Flowing text and beautiful mixed media illustrations answer the question "what is wind?" using language and images that they can understand. From a gentle breeze that dances with us to violent winds that destroy, we learn that winds may come, but they always end. This story can be read aloud like a picture book for a story or class book time.
Each type of wind as it is introduced by the lyrical read aloud text also has a defined text box with more information about that type of wind, i.e. a breeze, etc. A more formal definition of each wind is given at the end in the about more two-page spread. After this section, there is also a chart showing how they describe wind using the Beaufort Scale and that there is an instrument that measures wind speed called an anemometer. Book and websites sources are also included if the reader would like to do more research.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public library collections.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Each type of wind as it is introduced by the lyrical read aloud text also has a defined text box with more information about that type of wind, i.e. a breeze, etc. A more formal definition of each wind is given at the end in the about more two-page spread. After this section, there is also a chart showing how they describe wind using the Beaufort Scale and that there is an instrument that measures wind speed called an anemometer. Book and websites sources are also included if the reader would like to do more research.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public library collections.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Read
October 30, 2024Author Shumaker and illustrator Jose'e Bisaillon create a book that teaches young readers about the wind by showing how it interacts with objects from the world, particularly the natural world. The watercolor paintings are beautiful and vibrant. People, plants, and animals (and a bicycle) contend with the wind, which is often depicted as a ghostly object such as a butterfly, a hand, a puppy, boxing gloves, or an egg beater
Along the way, there are text boxes that define different types of wind: breeze, headwind, gale, blizzard, hurricane, and tornado are defined with both word and image. (But not monsoon--the images are very western and monsoons tend to happen in other parts of the world.)
The backmatter includes a chart with windspeeds and the addition of storm as a category of wind weather.
Along the way, there are text boxes that define different types of wind: breeze, headwind, gale, blizzard, hurricane, and tornado are defined with both word and image. (But not monsoon--the images are very western and monsoons tend to happen in other parts of the world.)
The backmatter includes a chart with windspeeds and the addition of storm as a category of wind weather.
November 15, 2024
I've never thought much about the fact that while I know what wind is, I really don't know a lot about what makes wind and honestly, I can't even see it. This book straddles two feelings: lyrical metaphor and fact-giving nonfiction. The text and images swirl with the varying emotions of wind, in all its varied forms. Shumaker compares a hurricane to a whisk, lighter breezes to butterflies, and the illustrations bring that symbolism to life. For the more engaged reader, most pages feature a paragraph teaching the science behind each wind, in helpful nonfiction learning that knows how to keep away from the "too dense" precipice. Balanced and well-informed science for children.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
October 4, 2024
Debra Kempf Shumaker's WIND IS A DANCE pairs poetry with facts in response to the question, “What is wind?” The combination of Shumaker's lyrical language and Josée Bisaillon's beautiful illustrations provides readers with an accessible and enjoyable introduction to different types of wind. Sidebars throughout the text offer additional information about the type of wind described on the page, ranging from soft breezes to more destructive derechos and tornados. Backmatter provides further information about the different types of wind. This book will appeal to readers interested in learning about weather and with its combination of science content and figurative language, will also be useful in a classroom setting.
November 13, 2024
WIND IS A DANCE is written in lyrical text that in and of itself dances along the pages, and stunningly illustrated with vibrant colors. Filled with metaphors on how each type of wind behaves (a blizzard is like a boxer, a gale is like an excited puppy), this book is a perfect way to tap into young reader’s imaginations and visualize the impact wind can have on their surroundings, whether it’s a feathery breeze or a whipping tornado. The lyrical text is complimented by detailed text boxes, adding more wonder and science to the invisible force that always surrounds us.
Back matter includes more details about wind, measuring wind with the Beaufort Scale, and anemometer. Wonderfully done - highly recommend!
Back matter includes more details about wind, measuring wind with the Beaufort Scale, and anemometer. Wonderfully done - highly recommend!
July 22, 2024
Rich with metaphors, this lyrical picture book answers the question “What is wind?” On each spread, readers are introduced to a different type of wind, covering everything from a light breeze to powerful tornadoes. I thought I knew a lot about this topic before reading the book, but I learned so much more! Bite-sized information is given on each spread with more extensive backmatter provided at the end. This would be perfect to use in the classroom when studying weather or lyrical language. I can also see this book being used for an interactive story time. This is an excellent choice for curious children and classroom libraries!
August 19, 2024
This picture book is gorgeous -- such a perfect blend of science and the arts. The text and art are both very poetic. The text, with its lovely cadence, compares the wind to a dance, and the inviting, whimsical art allows you to almost feel the wind dancing on every spread. Small, unassuming sidebars describe different types of wind (such as breezes, tailwinds, headwinds, and gales), and the back matter includes scientific details about how wind speed is measured and what effect each speed has on the land and sea. I could see this book being used at home, in the classroom, and even in a dance or creative movement class. It's beautiful, educational, and very versatile!
August 22, 2024
Who can make a drawing of the wind? What are some of the names we call the wind? How do we define the speeds and characteristics of wind? This book does a fine job of making nonfiction learning a delightful entertainment!
The illustrations by Josee Bisaillon are simple, stylized, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Kids Can Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
The illustrations by Josee Bisaillon are simple, stylized, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Kids Can Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 9, 2024
"Wind is a Dance" is a picture book that poses and answers the question, What is wind? Concise, poetic text explores the many attributes of wind, giving shape and poignant meaning to the unique element around us, which is felt, but not seen. In comparing wind to familiar objects and things - a dance, a butterfly, a teammate, an opponent - young readers will recognize the gifts and challenges it poses. Nonfiction blurbs enhance this understanding with scientific fact. With beautiful, swirling art, and evocative text, "Wind is a Dance" is a book that delves into wind's ever-changing patterns and ever-present role in our world.
May 5, 2024
This book answers a question I’m surprised I haven’t thought much about- What is wind? Shumaker once again tackles a scientific topic with clear language and lyrical beauty, this time with page-after page of gorgeous metaphors. Sidebars and robust backmatter offer great information for readers curious to know more. Bisaillon tackled the task of illustrating various types of wind and succeeded tremendously. I’m blown away by this book!
(P.S.- My kiddos are big Frozen II fans and will be thrilled for the spread about gale winds.)
(P.S.- My kiddos are big Frozen II fans and will be thrilled for the spread about gale winds.)
August 31, 2024
Lyrical and engaging, WIND IS A DANCE is a book that makes the concept of wind, and all the weather phenomena that are associated with wind, accessible to even the youngest kids. The main text is super fun to read aloud while the side bars brilliantly explain each type of wind in easy-to-understand terms. The illustrations pair perfectly with the text and feature a diverse and body-positive cast of characters. Shumaker and Bisaillon have created a book that belongs in every home and school library!
September 10, 2024
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 1 October 2024 - publication day!
This is a really beautiful book.
I loved the writing style and the different poems in the book, they are a really nice mix.
There is also a few handy pages at the end on wind speeds and more of a scientific description of the types of wind speeds from breeze, gales, blizzard and hurricanes too.
I loved the illustrations used in the book too - they are really lovely.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended - a lovely addition to any bookcase
This is a really beautiful book.
I loved the writing style and the different poems in the book, they are a really nice mix.
There is also a few handy pages at the end on wind speeds and more of a scientific description of the types of wind speeds from breeze, gales, blizzard and hurricanes too.
I loved the illustrations used in the book too - they are really lovely.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended - a lovely addition to any bookcase
March 29, 2024
What a beautiful and evocative picture book! Perfect for an interactive story time, inviting readers to explore the movements of the wind as a dance. Scientific sidebars give additional facts about each type of wind such as: breeze, tailwind, headwind, tornado, and more. In the back of the book, readers will find a description and table about the Beaufort Scale along with other sources for exploring more. Perfect for weather enthusiast and anyone who wants to celebrate the wonder of wind
April 18, 2024
This is a very lyrical and accessible introduction to the different kinds of wind we experience. The descriptions are very relatable, and I think kids will appreciate knowing the names of wind as well as some of the science behind them. I love the dynamic, kid-friendly illustrations by Josee Bisaillon, and the backmatter provides even more info about the different wind types and how to measure wind speed. Highly recommend!
April 21, 2024
Using metaphors and lyrical text Shumaker introduces readers to different kinds of wind. A second layer of text provides more information about the wind featured in each page spread and relates it to how children experience and/or can keep safe from various types of wind. Backmatter gives more information about the different types of wind, along with information on measuring measure wind speed. A beautiful, educational read.
April 21, 2024
What is wind? Using metaphors and lyricism, the author describes and explains the different types of air movements—from a gentle breeze that ruffles flower petals to spinning hurricanes that whip and churn clouds into a batter. A side bar on each page provide the factual explanation for all the different types of wind covered in the book. This title is one for the senses—readers will be feeling the wind as they learn a whole science lesson. A beautiful read that will enthrall readers.
April 24, 2024
This lovely poetic picture book introduces different wind types of increasing intensity from a gentle breeze to a tornado using lyrical language and kid-friendly metaphors. Sidebars give further information on each wind type. The illustrations are colorful and playful with lots of movement and complement the text perfectly. The back matter gives more detailed explanations of wind types and how they are measured. Highly recommended for young readers.
April 24, 2024
A wonderfully lyrical book that uses kid-friendly metaphors to describe different types of wind. Sidebars give further details about the different winds – I learned a lot reading them! The illustrations are lovely and the back matter offers many ways for kids to dig in and learn more about wind. This would make a great read aloud either at home or at school and deftly combines language arts with science – and fun!
October 8, 2024
LOVE. Lyrical text with vivid vocabulary that brings wind to life (as a butterfly, supportive teammate, ornery opponent) with sidebars about different kinds of wind - tailwind, headwind, derecho, hurricane, tornado. I might read the lyrical text for the whole book and then return to read parts of the lyrics and the related sidebar. DON'T SKIP THE BACK MATTER - interesting information about how to measure wind that might inspire young students.
October 10, 2024
Wow! The beautiful illustrations and analogies in this book really bring wind to life--like an invisible neighbor that you can finally "see" in a new way. From everyday breezes to powerful storms, the text connects each type of wind with a reader's experience (flying a kite, or how to stay safe). The poetic text makes for a great read-aloud, plus there's more detailed info at the end, including a cool chart about measuring wind.
October 25, 2024
Wind is a Dance is an illustrated picture book that somehow tries to put an element that can not be seen, on paper. Children are naturally drawn to the elements and the power of the wind is no exception. The delightfully illustrated book describes wind; from the gentlest breeze to the riotous hurricane. It is a picture book with foundational knowledge to share with children. Even a few adults might learn something new. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
April 16, 2024
Metaphors for wind connect and build understanding of the invisible force for young readers. In lyrical language the words flow spread to spread. Sidebars take readers into the science of wind, with the addition of a chart for measuring wind and a glossary in the back matter. The multiple layers invite exploration and imagination.
April 16, 2024
This book beautifully shows us different kinds of wind, equating them with dancing. The lyrical lines are lovely to read aloud. Each scene has additional facts in a sidebar and there's more information at the end. I really like how the illustrations personify the wind, relating it to the text. Teached kids about wind in a fun way.
July 8, 2024
A beautiful, lyrical book that builds and dances like ... well, wind! The wispy personification of wind in the illustrations makes a gorgeous accompaniment to the creative metaphors describing the nature of wind, from a gentle butterfly to a frantic tornado. Back matter includes further information about wind and how it's measured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews