The newest in Simon's excellent series on natural disasters, which includes books on volcanoes, earthquakes, and lightning, is as dramatic and informative as the previous titles. Simon explains how and why tornadoes form, how they behave, how scientists predict and track them, and what safety measures should be taken if a tornado is sighted. Incredible full-color photographs and diagrams, clearly portraying the different formations and devastating power of the windstorms, complement the text perfectly. A must for middle-grade students researching the subject, the book is sure to appeal to browsers as well. (Reviewed May 1, 1999)

Gr 4-8An entry in a handsome series that includes Storms (1989), Weather (1993), and Lightning (1997, all Morrow), Tornadoes focuses on one of natures most violent and spectacular phenomena. Large, riveting, full-color photos show a threatening sky, meteorologists at work, a variety of tornadoes (from an eerily ethereal waterspout to an appalling monster), and the resultant chaotic shredding of human possessions in the storms paths. Simons clear, well-organized text discusses the weather conditions necessary to spawn these violent storms; how they form; where they are most likely to occur; and how scientists predict, rate, and track them. He also describes some of the major tornadoes recorded in the U.S. and includes weather maps and a diagram. Even if you own Franklyn Branleys simpler Tornado Alert (Crowell, 1988) or Stephen Kramers more detailed Tornado (Carolrhoda, 1992), make room on your shelves for Simons standout view of a cataclysmic manifestation.Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

A well-written text clearly explains the formation of tornadoes and scientists' efforts to predict their paths. Though the dark color photographs of tornadoes are ominous, Simon puts the likelihood of their occurrence in any given location into perspective. Other color illustrations include satellite images and weather maps.