Hurricanes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters

Consistent with other titles in the Kingfisher Knowledge series, this book presents a high-interest topic in an attractively designed format that features colorful, eye-catching graphics and a solidly written text. Brief, abundantly illustrated chapters explain the science behind the catastrophic natural events cited in the title, as well as the technologies scientists use to understand and predict them; the devastating impact these storms have on human populations; and how rescue teams operate when these disasters strike. The breezy text offers an accessible introduction to the basics of the topic, but it's the visual appeal of the book that will hook reluctant readers. Appendixes include a list of Web sites and suggestions for further reading. --Ed Sullivan Copyright 2006 Booklist

Gr 4-8-In a largely pictorial style, this volume covers the causes and impacts of natural disasters. Four chapters, each divided into roughly half a dozen double-page sections, cover earthquakes and tsunamis; volcanoes; storms, floods, and snow; and droughts, fires, and diseases. Chapters all end with a half-page summary of the main ideas as well as short lists of print and Web resources, definitions, and places to go for exhibits. The information is current and correct, but the text, while clearly written, is secondary to the pictorial material that dominates the book. Clear color photographs, the occasional period photo, and maps are all well situated. Due to the overlap in some sections, material is occasionally repeated-location of tectonic plates, for example. One photograph of a victim of the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79 is used twice in the same chapter. While not as detailed as Luke Thompson's Tsunamis (Children's Press, 2000) or Karen Magnuson Beil's Fire in Their Eyes (Harcourt, 1999), this book does provide a decent introduction to underlying causes and immediate effects. It is, as well, excellent browsing fare.-Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.