When the Wind Blows

PreS-Gr 2—For many people, a windstorm might be reason to stay inside safe and sound. However, the family in this book looks at a windy day as an adventurous day for kite-flying fun. Simple, rhythmic two-word phrases appear on each page in four-line stanza. "When the wind blows" repeats every three stanzas to create a dependable structure in this poetic text. Strong verbs such as "whistles," "flicker," "swish," and "clang" allow readers to experience the blustery day with sounds, feeling, and imagery. The rhythm of the book seems to mimic the steady blow of the wind on each page. Young readers will enjoy following the story in the supporting gorgeous watercolor images as they watch the winds pick up speed, sending the family on a wild chase trying to catch their kite, and making a groom lose his hat on his wedding day. Older readers can dive deep into the rich language of each page. This story line spans multiple pages, and readers will enjoy looking for the hat and kite throughout the book. Each illustration supports the text with each noun appearing in the image with many additional details, which can offer young readers an "I spy" opportunity on each page. As the rain and wind pick up, the family makes its way back inside to the familiar routines of getting ready for bed. This book will be a great bedtime story, and educators will appreciate the descriptive language when teaching creative writing and poetry. A welcome addition to collections.—Andy Plemmons, David C. Barrow Elementary, Athens, GA