Kingfisher Knowledge: Hurricanes, Tsunamis, and Other Natural Disasters [Hardcover]

Andrew Langley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Kingfisher Knowledge

Explore the most catastrophic natural events that have shocked the world since history began -- monster waves, avalanches, brush fires, earthquakes, floods, and terrifying tornadoes. Bursting with action-packed photographs and digital illustrations, this title looks at all aspects of natural disasters, including how rescue teams operate and how experts are using cutting-edge technology to try to predict and prevent disasters in the future.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

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 © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 63 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher (April 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753459752
• ISBN-13: 978-0753459751
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #893,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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