An introduction to tornadoes explains how they form, the scale used for classifying them, and what to do when a tornado approaches. - (Baker & Taylor)

Combining clear text and detailed illustrations, this fascinating book about tornadoes explains how they form, the scale used for classifying them, and what to do when one comes your way! - (Baker & Taylor)

What in the world is a tornado? In this age of extreme weather, Gail Gibbons' informative introduction to tornadoes answers all your questions.

Tornadoes form when hot, humid air rises from the ground and meets with the cooler, denser air that is falling back to Earth. The two airstreams begin to swirl, pulling in more and more air to form a funnel-shaped cloud. The winds can swirl faster than 261 miles per hour!

Using her praised combination of clear text and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons shares tornado facts. . . . including how tornadoes form, the scale used for classifying them, and the safest places to go in case one should happen near you.

Featuring simple, kid-friendly text, colorful paintings, and well-labeled diagrams, Gail Gibbons' nonfiction titles have been called ""staples of any collection" (Kirkus Reviews) and offer clear, accessible introductions to complex topics for young readers beginning to explore the world. - (Holiday House)

Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator," according to the Washington Post. Winner of the 2010 Regina Award, she has written and illustrated more than fifty books for Holiday House. She lives in Corinth, Vermont. - (Random House, Inc.)

Booklist Reviews

Even the normally low-key, matter-of-fact Gibbons can't resist getting wound up by her spectacularly violent topic. Pairing clearly presented basic facts and terms with spattered watercolor scenes of widespread destruction, she explains the weather conditions that engender tornadoes, squires readers through each of the five increasingly powerful stages of the recently developed Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale, highlights two of the most devastating tornadoes recorded in this country, and closes with tips on staying safe when a twister threatens. Younger readers and listeners alike will be riveted by this melodramatic but, as ever, informative introduction to the weather phenomenon. Web sites and a smattering of quick facts round out this useful book. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

School Library Journal Reviews

K-Gr 3—Gibbons uses her trademark watercolor cartoon images and simple text to introduce readers to scientific information. Descriptions of tornado mechanics and creation are followed by a discussion of the Fujita Tornado Scale. Six spreads demonstrate the various levels of severity (0 to 5) and describe the wind speeds and damages typically caused by storms of each scale. Descriptions of Tornado Alley, meteorologists, warning information, and tips on what to do during a tornado follow. A spread on the Great Tri-State Tornado references human casualties. The last page includes some additional facts, including a mention about the direction that tornadoes spin, and referrals to the NOAA and Environment Canada Web sites. While Gibbons's style is appealing and accessible, the scientific nature of the information might be better served with more realistic images.—S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA