Wild about Weather: 50 Wet, Windy and Wonderful Activities by Ed Brotak. Lark Books, 2004. 128pp. ISBN 1-57990-468-8.

SB&F review:

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and entertaining book about weather, Wild About Weather is it. The dialog is cleverly written and engages the reader, while the factual information clearly explains the basic phenomena that cause weather. Color photographs and illustrations scattered throughout the book enhance the reader’s understanding of weather concepts. In addition, almost every page has a little “I Didn’t Know That!” or “Ask the Expert” box, which gives additional entertaining and educational facts. The effects of heat, wind, air pressure, and humidity are clarified and are accompanied with hands-on activities the reader can do independently, using simple and easily obtainable materials. Additional chapters describe the water cycle, including types of clouds and various forms of precipitation; storms; and weather forecasting. A few pages even discuss legends, myths and weather lore. The author has included a number of fun self-checking weather quizzes, too.
The format of the book allows readers of a wide age range to benefit. Students in grades 3-8 can use the book independently. It also would be an excellent resource for teachers, as it provides many activities that can be done in the classroom. This volume supports the National Science Education Standards in both content and processes for middle to upper elementary school students.

About the author:

Ed Brotak, Ph.D., is a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

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