"Wind is an ornery opponent -
blocking, stopping,
determined to slow you down.
A headwind pushes against you. If it's
really strong, a headwind can make it
hard to move! Tailwinds and headwinds
are actually the same wind. They have
different names based on the direction
you are facing."
The weather channel says that the breeze is moderate here today; it is, in fact, blowing quite smartly and, while warm, has my blinds dancing a merry dance against the windows on every side of the house. I have been listening to them all afternoon.
Ms. Shumaker describes a breeze in her book:
"A breeze is a light-to-moderate wind. Leaves rustle,
branches quiver. A light breeze is a perfect wind for
blowing bubbles. A stronger breeze is a good wind
for flying kites."
Bring on the kites!
In expressive language that compares winds to dancers, she introduces a young audience to the range of winds felt by all. A breeze is described first and is compared to a butterfly as it makes its way from place to place on a summer day. She moves on to a comparison of a tailwind and a headwind.
As readers turn the pages, mixed media illustrations focus on outdoor scenes that allow them to almost feel the winds described, where children and adults swirl, run, and ride bicycles. The poems realistically demonstrate how winds gain power depending on the circumstances.
A gale is 'fast and strong', while a blizzard blows harder with some dangerous results for those caught out in it. The destruction caused by a derecho can be devastating and will require community cleanup of broken branches and scattered debris. A hurricane, as we learn from weather reports too often, is incredibly dangerous and destructive. Finally, she discusses a tornado, the way it develops and the need to seek immediate shelter.
"Yes, wind is a dance of air -
shifting, changing
hour by hour,
day by day."
Those readers wanting to know more can check out the back matter which offers 'More About Wind', measuring wind using the Beaufort Scale, the top three wind gusts ever recorded by an anemometer and a link for how to make a personal one. A list of sources is helpful.
Impressive and lovely to read, this book is absolutely worthy of shelf space in libraries - both public and classroom.
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