  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2014 K-Gr 2—Rain is essential for all life, and here Gibbons shows youngsters how it forms, the different kinds of rain clouds, and what to do when storm clouds gather. Concentrating on the water cycle, different types of cloud formations, and a variety of types of rain events, this accessible and easy-to-read book can help children to understand the world around them. Small bits of information on acid rain and a variety of nonpolluting energy sources are also offered. Diagrams and maps offer additional details and facts. Full-color illustrations depict an idealized rural/suburban world without reference to cities or urban environments. The adults pictured seem uniformly glum and concerned about potential rain-related disasters, such as floods and monsoons. Useful as an introduction to units on weather and climate.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/15/2014 This accessible introduction to rain-and-water cycle opens with a familiar neighborhood scene: rain starts to fall, and people put on raincoats and open umbrellas. It then moves into an exploration of the water cycle, clouds, where it rains, and types of rainfall. Each topic is covered in an illustrated spread. Bright watercolors depict interesting, child-friendly scenes. The text is brief yet descriptive while captions provide additional information or explanations of terms, such as groundwater or water vapor. Major rainstorms and floods are mentioned, as is the damage each can cause. An environmental message about the effects of pollutants is included, too. If these last pages worry some children, perhaps they will be reassured by the closing vista of a rainbow. Back matter offers tips on staying dry and safe as well as additional facts and websites. As always, Gibbons gives young readers a solid overview. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. Loading...
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