Storm

'Storm' is part of a series by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft, in which they explore aspects of the natural world. The whole cycle of a storm is examined from the first tiny sign of it brewing, through the dramatic lightning and wild seas of the full storm, and finishing with the calm that follows. Although it is considered a non-fiction book and is based on scientific research, the language is lyrical and onomatopoeic and needs to be spoken to get the full effect.

The illustrations fill each page, enhancing the beauty of the words. As the full force of the storm hits, the centre pages open into a four page depiction of the explosion of sea and sky. It can be experienced as a visual and aural feast, or the details discussed as part of a science unit on climate, weather and the natural world. The large size of the book makes it easy to share with a class and there are teaching notes available on the publisher’s website.