Heatwave

PreS-Gr 2–School’s out for summer and many families head to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf. What happens when it’s just too hot to have any fun? In a dazzlingly original feat of graphic design, Redniss’s second book for children tackles weather extremes by using deep red hues to express the hazards and health concerns of heatwaves, and blue hues of the relief of an unexpected downpour. A limited use of words and illustrations clearly convey how uncomfortable high temperatures are and how refreshing and essential rain is for everyone. Seen are people using fans, newspapers, sunglasses, sunscreen, and ice cream to keep cool. Redniss shows beachgoers using umbrellas for shade in the sun, to stay dry as possible in the rain, and struggling with them due to high winds. Finally, evening comes and the moon rises, the weather settles down, and it’s time for a good night’s sleep.