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Storms
Storms are SCARY! But it’s cool to understand what’s going on when Mother Nature gets angry. Why does the wind howl? Why does it rain for days? How do rivers overflow? Thunder and lightening, monsoons, hurricanes, tornadoes... the facts and photos in this book will blow you away!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 12, 2011
Pa: Serve it up.
Miloš: Okay. I liked it because of the little dance at the end. It's a rain dance.
Pa: Did you do the dance?
Miloš: Yes. I did.
Pa: That's right, I remember that. You mocked me for my bad dance.
Miloš: I'm sorry.
Pa: Why? Mocking's not always bad. I thought it was funny.
Miloš: Okay, I guess I'm not sorry then. Ummm ... sooooo ... back to Storms. I also liked it because of the two guys who were playing basketball.
Pa: What did they have to do with Storms?
Miloš: Nothing. It was just raining in that part. I liked how it explained how we need air and rain and storms clean out our air, just like trees.
Pa: That's cool.
Miloš: And if there are any questions you want to ask about anything else, you can ask them now because I think that was it.
Pa: Okay, Jackpot. Umm ... what was your favourite kind of storm.
Miloš: Oh! The Monsoon. Give me that. (*I pass him the book*) Where is it now? The Monsoon. Yeah, right here. That's my favourite storm.
Pa: Why?
Miloš: Because I like how it's filling up the streets to my knees and be their shins. And that's it. Any more questions?
Pa: Tell me something you learned that was a surprise.
Miloš: I learned that you can't make rain by dancing.
Pa: Nice.
Miloš: Okay. I liked it because of the little dance at the end. It's a rain dance.
Pa: Did you do the dance?
Miloš: Yes. I did.
Pa: That's right, I remember that. You mocked me for my bad dance.
Miloš: I'm sorry.
Pa: Why? Mocking's not always bad. I thought it was funny.
Miloš: Okay, I guess I'm not sorry then. Ummm ... sooooo ... back to Storms. I also liked it because of the two guys who were playing basketball.
Pa: What did they have to do with Storms?
Miloš: Nothing. It was just raining in that part. I liked how it explained how we need air and rain and storms clean out our air, just like trees.
Pa: That's cool.
Miloš: And if there are any questions you want to ask about anything else, you can ask them now because I think that was it.
Pa: Okay, Jackpot. Umm ... what was your favourite kind of storm.
Miloš: Oh! The Monsoon. Give me that. (*I pass him the book*) Where is it now? The Monsoon. Yeah, right here. That's my favourite storm.
Pa: Why?
Miloš: Because I like how it's filling up the streets to my knees and be their shins. And that's it. Any more questions?
Pa: Tell me something you learned that was a surprise.
Miloš: I learned that you can't make rain by dancing.
Pa: Nice.
November 30, 2020
Awards this book has received: None
Appropriate grade level: Preschool-First Grade
Summary: In this book the children will find interesting facts and science about what makes a storm. There are many colorful pictures to guide us through the stages of the storms. New vocabulary is indexed at the end.
REVIEW: This book is very informative and will help the class understand the science found in the natural world around them. The introduction of new vocabulary will enhance many after reading activities.
POSSIBLE CLASS USES: This book will fall in easily with any lesson plans involving nature, science, and the weather.
Appropriate grade level: Preschool-First Grade
Summary: In this book the children will find interesting facts and science about what makes a storm. There are many colorful pictures to guide us through the stages of the storms. New vocabulary is indexed at the end.
REVIEW: This book is very informative and will help the class understand the science found in the natural world around them. The introduction of new vocabulary will enhance many after reading activities.
POSSIBLE CLASS USES: This book will fall in easily with any lesson plans involving nature, science, and the weather.
August 24, 2011
National Geographic photographs make this a beautiful introduction to weather. The definition of storm is broad enough that sandstorms are included. Weather on different planets also makes an appearance with some facts kids will find amazing (900 mile hour winds on Neptune!) Weather Words are defined in the margins of the book.
April 7, 2014
This non-fiction hook provides information on different types of storms. It also makes connections to different cultures and animals that experience the different types of storms. Students can use this book in literacy stations. They could write about different storms they have experienced. They can also draw pictures and make connections to their experiences.
October 9, 2014
This was a good non-fiction book with basic information about different storms. I would prefer to see it organized with a more apparent order so it moved logically, but I could see using each blurb separately and not reading the entire book at the same time. Overall, I think having this, and other National Geographic readers, in the classroom would be beneficial.
May 21, 2011
As expected the photos are fantastic. The text covers a wide variety of weather patterns including rain, hail, tornado, monsoon, and others.
Both the photos and text have an international, even intergalactic focus. Includes visual glossary and table of contents.
Both the photos and text have an international, even intergalactic focus. Includes visual glossary and table of contents.
April 25, 2021
This is an educational book from National Geographic about all the types of storms. They go through the various types of severe weather events, while also showing what these storms look like with actual pictures. There is also information presented about how these storms are tracked and who studies them. They talk about how these storms affect humans and animals. There are also statistics presented in multiple formats about these weather events.
I gave this book 5 stars because it is a high-interest topic for kids, and has very cool pictures. Children would be drawn in by the real-world pictures and striking images of these storms, then they end up learning along the way. I would love to use this for a science lesson, especially as an introduction to gain the attention of students. Specifically, it would be great for lessons about data presentation, such as different types of tables and charts for math and science.
I gave this book 5 stars because it is a high-interest topic for kids, and has very cool pictures. Children would be drawn in by the real-world pictures and striking images of these storms, then they end up learning along the way. I would love to use this for a science lesson, especially as an introduction to gain the attention of students. Specifically, it would be great for lessons about data presentation, such as different types of tables and charts for math and science.
August 14, 2020
This is a non-fiction book that I believe is perfect for it's intended age group. Miriam Busch Goin is an award winning author, having won Herman W. Block Prize. The pages are filled mostly with photographs but they have plenty of information and fun facts in them as well to keep the reader engaged. This book gives an in depth take on different kinds of storms from around the world and in different climate settings. For example, blizzards, sandstorms, and hurricanes. I think this is a good library book read or for students learning about weather. It contains a table of contents and has 32 pages total. National Geographic's does a good job with it's variety of photographs. The book starts off by discussing storms in general, like rain storms. After that, each pages gives a more detailed account on specific types of storms.
November 5, 2024
An introduction to different kinds of storms around the world for beginning readers.
I like how international this book was. It includes some storms that don't happen typically in the US, like sand storms. And it includes the different names for tornadoes (cyclones, twisters), hurricanes (typhoons, cyclones), and more. I think our kids here in Thailand might be shocked to learn there's such a thing as dry monsoons. Wet season/rainy season/monsoon season are all used interchangeably for this time of year just coming to a close when we get lots of rain. I had never heard that dry season can also be called a type of monsoon. I wonder if that usage has fallen out of use, or if it is a more Indian thing (since it was mentioned happening in India). A good pick for classes studying weather or curious readers.
I like how international this book was. It includes some storms that don't happen typically in the US, like sand storms. And it includes the different names for tornadoes (cyclones, twisters), hurricanes (typhoons, cyclones), and more. I think our kids here in Thailand might be shocked to learn there's such a thing as dry monsoons. Wet season/rainy season/monsoon season are all used interchangeably for this time of year just coming to a close when we get lots of rain. I had never heard that dry season can also be called a type of monsoon. I wonder if that usage has fallen out of use, or if it is a more Indian thing (since it was mentioned happening in India). A good pick for classes studying weather or curious readers.
July 14, 2017
Synopsis: "Storms are SCARY! But it’s cool to understand what’s going on when Mother Nature gets angry. Why does the wind howl? Why does it rain for days? How do rivers overflow? Thunder and lightening, monsoons, hurricanes, tornadoes... the facts and photos in this book will blow you away!"
My Review: Munchkin really enjoys the weather, one of his favorite helper jobs at school is the weather watcher, so of course I had to get him a non-fiction book to read. Unlike so many of the other non-fiction early readers, this one is a great level one (while others are much more advanced). It tells about different times of stormy weather in simple, easy to understand and read words. The pictures are great and the details are interesting and easy to remember.
My Review: Munchkin really enjoys the weather, one of his favorite helper jobs at school is the weather watcher, so of course I had to get him a non-fiction book to read. Unlike so many of the other non-fiction early readers, this one is a great level one (while others are much more advanced). It tells about different times of stormy weather in simple, easy to understand and read words. The pictures are great and the details are interesting and easy to remember.
November 15, 2017
Tornadoes. Blizzards. Monsoons. Oh my! Our Earth is full of weather patterns and wonder. This book tells us what these different weather patterns are like all around the world, and how humans and animals alike cope with them.
A good book for early readers like Pre-K through 2nd grade, because it has simple grammar. I would keep this on my classroom shelf, and I might use it to teach about the weather.
A good book for early readers like Pre-K through 2nd grade, because it has simple grammar. I would keep this on my classroom shelf, and I might use it to teach about the weather.
December 13, 2017
I loved all the text features in this book! Students would enjoy looking at the beautiful images, reading the word definitions, and sharing the jokes found on some pages. Beginning readers could read this book, but there are a lot of words that need defining. The best use of this book would be for guided reading, and then the students could read it on their own later. Informational
January 5, 2026
Bit of a mishmash with not enough detail on the different parts.
Lightning is not hotter than the sun, it is hotter than the surface of the sun.
Tornados are not known as cyclones.
Together with wind, raindrops are strong. What does that mean？
Why do we need a definition for weather？Why not choose another word.
Lightning is not hotter than the sun, it is hotter than the surface of the sun.
Tornados are not known as cyclones.
Together with wind, raindrops are strong. What does that mean？
Why do we need a definition for weather？Why not choose another word.
December 5, 2017
This informative text teaches all about storms: different kinds, what happens during them, shelters people make to survive them, characteristics animals have to endure them, etc. Included some jokes about storms along with vocabulary and beautiful photographs.
December 14, 2017
INFORMATIONAL
This book is geared for kids, which is great because it keeps the descriptions of storms short but informational. I liked how there were amazing pictures and jokes throughout which kept me entertained.
This book is geared for kids, which is great because it keeps the descriptions of storms short but informational. I liked how there were amazing pictures and jokes throughout which kept me entertained.
December 29, 2017
This is an entry in Nat Geo Kids Super Reader series that includes a CD. Answers to the question "why are storms important?" give this book a strong start. Stormy sound effects and a narrator with an engaging voice keep the audio interesting, not scary.
Level 1 reader.
Level 1 reader.
April 30, 2024
The good thing is storms help plants to grow sometimes, but the bad thing is that storms cause fire which burns the environment.I got this book to learn more about storms.Did you know there are some crystals in thunderstorms called Hailstone.?
September 28, 2017
Picture book, for Spanish practice. It had nice simple language and was clear and entertaining. No English translation.
February 22, 2021
I love the beautiful photographs and the broad intro to weather.
Great for young readers (k-1)
Great for young readers (k-1)
January 29, 2023
I gave this book 1 star because the book is boring.
this book is about different types of storms.
the author wrote this book so people can know that storms aren't always bad.
this book is about different types of storms.
the author wrote this book so people can know that storms aren't always bad.
February 10, 2023
It was really great. I think that the book had some good facts about tornado funnels and how hail is light at the start. I learned a lot from it.
Read
September 22, 2023This book talks about different types of storms. It also talks about hail, snow, and rain, and how they are made. I would have my students do a storm research.
March 10, 2025
Great book
We love this book and are using it at a STEM family night. We are making tornados in a bottle after an interactive read-aloud.
We love this book and are using it at a STEM family night. We are making tornados in a bottle after an interactive read-aloud.
August 30, 2025
My 6 y o loved this book because "it showed different types of storms" and he discovered more about each one.
March 14, 2026
I read this book in Spanish to help with my reading comprehension and thought it was a good read! Complex ideas broken down into easy to understand language. I recommend!
December 7, 2017
INFORMATIONAL- A book with lots of cool pictures and interactive activities about storms. This would be a great book for kids who don't like to read a book with too many words on the page since it's so interactive!
December 3, 2016
1. Awards the book has received (if any): No awards
2. Appropriate grade level(s): K – 3rd
3. Original 3-line summary: This book covers general details about a variety of different types of severe weather. For example, there is information on thunder and lightning, hailstorms, tornadoes, sandstorms, blizzards, monsoons, and hurricanes. The last sections of this text include an interactive page for readers to guess which storm the pictures relate to as well as informational pages on how different groups of people and different animals survive these storms.
4. Original 3-line review: This book has a more academic than engaging tone. While the facts and information provided are great for classroom weather units, it may be a bit dry for free reading. It is also interesting that the book not only covers the characteristics of each storm, but also presents how storms are important and how a handful of people and animals survive them.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses: This book is a great compliment to lessons on severe weather, which is now part of the kindergarten curriculum. Students would also benefit from having it as part of their classroom library because it goes beyond the topic of severe weather by showing other aspects of storms such as why they are important and how people and animals survive them.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): K – 3rd
3. Original 3-line summary: This book covers general details about a variety of different types of severe weather. For example, there is information on thunder and lightning, hailstorms, tornadoes, sandstorms, blizzards, monsoons, and hurricanes. The last sections of this text include an interactive page for readers to guess which storm the pictures relate to as well as informational pages on how different groups of people and different animals survive these storms.
4. Original 3-line review: This book has a more academic than engaging tone. While the facts and information provided are great for classroom weather units, it may be a bit dry for free reading. It is also interesting that the book not only covers the characteristics of each storm, but also presents how storms are important and how a handful of people and animals survive them.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses: This book is a great compliment to lessons on severe weather, which is now part of the kindergarten curriculum. Students would also benefit from having it as part of their classroom library because it goes beyond the topic of severe weather by showing other aspects of storms such as why they are important and how people and animals survive them.
February 14, 2017
This is another National Geographic Science book that we have for use with students during our different units. Although many are nervous of storms, they love reading, learning, and inquiring about the topic - so this is always a good one to read and share. I use it during our weather unit, and this one works just fine for me.
April 17, 2015
This is a soft cover, National Geographic Readers, Level 1, starting to read book for kids who are beginning to read on their own.
Like the other books in this series at this reading level, it is filled with attention-grabbing and exciting photos on glossy pages. It is a cursory overview of weather, exploring everything from hail to tornados and weather on other planets, in language that is easy to understand for the targeted age reader.
Also included are weather jokes that kids will find amusing, definitions of terms, a Table of Contents in the beginning and a photo glossar at the end.
Kids can become National Geographic Super Reader by following the directions and tutorial video after scanning the QR code on the back of the book. This opens up interactive activities such as games and crazy quizzes. The kids can also earn prizes.
Like the other books in this series at this reading level, it is filled with attention-grabbing and exciting photos on glossy pages. It is a cursory overview of weather, exploring everything from hail to tornados and weather on other planets, in language that is easy to understand for the targeted age reader.
Also included are weather jokes that kids will find amusing, definitions of terms, a Table of Contents in the beginning and a photo glossar at the end.
Kids can become National Geographic Super Reader by following the directions and tutorial video after scanning the QR code on the back of the book. This opens up interactive activities such as games and crazy quizzes. The kids can also earn prizes.
September 12, 2013
A good introduction to various weather-types.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews