Clouds Book

All over the world there are clouds. In fact, at any given time more than half the earth is covered with different types of clouds. Some are dark and scary rain clouds, and some are just big white puffs. The clouds in the sky about you can change within hours, just like the weather. What kind of cloud is in the sky above you? Read and find out!

Children's Literature

Basic information about clouds is presented in simple text accompanied by large, colorful pictures. The major types of clouds and their compositions are defined. Then, the types of weather associated with the various clouds are discussed and illustrated. Wispy cirrus clouds can be seen on sunny, dry days. Flat cirrostratus clouds cover the whole sky bringing rain or snow. Cumulonimbus clouds are the scariest kind. They are dark gray to almost black and seem to swell into the sky. When these clouds are spotted, it is a good idea to get inside quickly. They show that a thunderstorm with lightning and hail are on the way. The same chart with the nine main types of clouds appears twice within a few pages of each other. The organization seems a bit choppy, and the page about fog with just two lines of text is disappointing, not acknowledging that this cloud on the ground is one of the most fascinating types for children. This book, from the "Let's Read and Find Out About" series, could be used for a basic introduction to clouds in conjunction with other sources. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.