Review: Tornadoes by Seymour Simon

9780062470331

In this updated and revised edition of Tornadoes, award-winning science writer Seymour Simon gives readers an in-depth look at these captivating and powerful storms through fascinating facts and stunning full-color photographs.

Readers will learn all about tornadoes, from how they are first created to the destruction they leave behind.

If you are familiar at all with children's nonfiction, then you are probably familiar with the name Seymour Simon.

If you are familiar at all with young boys (especially my 11yo), you are probably familiar with their affinity towards tornadoes, as well as any other suitably destructive natural disaster.

We had the 1999 version of this title at one time, but it has been weeded (probably for both age and condition), so I can't compare to see exactly what has been updated. Simon's name has long been associated with accuracy, however, and as usual the information is presented in a straightforward yet engaging style. Personally I would have updated more photographs - the images tend towards grainy, which may be off-putting for some readers, and there are so many newer/sharper images available.

It's easy to understand the fascination with tornadoes - they are really nothing but air, and yet they can wipe out entire towns. I grew up in Ohio, where tornado drills were a part of the school year, and I have witnessed their destruction firsthand. Even Christopher, who lives in an area that never actually gets tornadoes, expresses fear about them. One of the best ways to conquer a fear, however, is to learn more about it, so I will definitely be taking this home soon. A solid addition to an elementary library, although it may not be the first to catch a reader's eye.

86 Shopping Days Left! Review: Our Solar System by Seymour Simon

9780062333797

Born almost 5 billion years ago at the edge of the Milky Way galaxy, our Solar System is a place filled with mystery and wonder. In the last fifty years, we have learned more than ever about the farthest reaches of our world. With dramatic full-color photographs and spacecraft images, Our Solar System takes young readers on a fascinating tour of the sun, the eight planets and their moons, plus asteroids and comets. Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon presents this new, updated edition of his much-admired book about the vast and mystifying part of the universe that we live in.

A perfect book for an elementary age child just starting to show an interest in space. Simon's name is a staple in library nonfiction collections, for good reason. His topics are well-researched, and accompanied by striking photographs and illustrations. Each planet gets individual coverage (including Earth - so many similar books don't treat earth as an individual planet!), as do the sun, Pluto (I don't care what the reason for its demotion is - and that reason is explained clearly - it will always be a planet!), asteroids, and comets. Not enough information for a report on any one of those, but a great jumping-off point.

Gift suggestions for this one are almost too numerous to sift through. My kiddos will be getting a copy along with a gift certificate for one visit to the nearby New Mexico Museum of Space History. They can't get enough of the place! If you are not lucky enough to have something like that nearby, you could add a movie to watch together:

   

Don't forget the popcorn!

Decorate the room with a 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System. 

Make your own models from this wood kit, or from this styrofoam one.

Put together a Solar System Floor Puzzle.

Or, go big and add this rug to your stargazer's bedroom!

Pluto included! So there!

Nonfiction Monday: Coral Reefs by Seymour Simon

978-006-191-4959

 

Seymour Simon's books have long had a presence in library nonfiction collections. Generally speaking, they feature bright, attractive photographs, simple glossary and index, and just enough information to get a child interested in a subject or start them on a research project.

 

This title is certainly no different, especially in the illustration department. Close-ups of funky-looking fish and rainbow-hued coral reefs demand more than a cursory glance. We learn about the different types of corals and reefs, a little bit about the biodiversity, as well as the dangers they face today. A child needing information for a research paper or project will need something more in-depth, but this is perfect for the curious kid or the teacher needing a read-aloud to start off a unit.

 

Thank-you to HarperCollinsChildrens for the review copy. For more great nonfiction choices, head over to Stacking Books.