Flood Warning: An Award-Winning STEM Picture Book on Natural Disasters for Kids (Ages 4-8)

Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2

by Katharine Kenah, Amy Schimler-Safford (Illustrator)

You are lying in bed listening to the soft sound of rain. It has been coming down for hours. Now something is changing. The rain sounds harder and louder, and there is water running down the road, which looks like a small river. What is happening? You are hearing and seeing the start of a flood. Read and find out about the different kinds of floods, how they start, and how to stay safe. With colorful illustrations from Amy Schimler-Safford and engaging text from Katharine Kenah, Flood Warning is a fascinating look into a dangerous natural disaster.

Featuring rich vocabulary bolded throughout the text, this book also includes a Find-Out-More section with instructions on how to make a rain gauge and an infographic about saving water at home. Both the text and the artwork were vetted for accuracy by Dr. Christopher Kenah, Geologist, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

This is a Level 2 Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science title, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one of the level 2 science Let's read and Find Out books. I would recommend these books for all children.

There is not a story to follow. This book is full of information but in an easy to understand and fun way. There are vocabulary words in bold and then their meaning is discussed. There is a glossary in the back where you can read through the vocabulary again.

The pictures show what happens during a flood and this also includes flooding during a hurricane and tornado.

The author included making a flood plan and an experiment. Both are great to cover with the kids.

Overall, my kids enjoyed this book. I think it is one we will refer back to because it has a lot of great information in it.

[Donna Charlevoix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. It tells the reader what happens before a flood happens, during a flood and what to do when a flood happens. It had good pictures and visuals.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction picture book defines what a flood is, describes various types of floods and why they happen, and provides advice of what to do to prepare for a flood. Some simple related activities/experiments are provided in the back.

We get what is described in this book as city flash floods all the time here so this will be a very relevant read for students at our school. (For example, we had a day off of school just two weeks ago because of flooding in the area.) Thankfully, our floods are usually gone in 24-48 hours. I like that this book describes the different kinds of floods and why they each happen. I also like that it does mention ways that floods can be beneficial in some areas. The illustrations are a trendy collage style that kids should like. An informative natural disaster book that will inform without freaking kids out. Definitely recommended for kids who live in areas that are susceptible to regular floods, but also good for kids who have heard about floods in the news, or for curious readers.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great description of floods, and at least it mentions in passing that floods can be beneficial.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, wonderful illustrations and information. Explained in a way that kids can understand.