Wonder Why

PreS-Gr 1–In alternating four-line stanzas, an omniscient narrator and wonderer asks about various meteorological phenomena, and the weather responds in the first-person with simple explanations about what causes thunder and what makes the wind blow. Some of these answers, such as “scattered rays of sun” creating the appearance of a blue sky, may be too cursory to satisfy curious readers. Fortunately, the back matter offers “more about the why,” with additional information that expounds upon each phenomenon, as well as a bibliography for readers who yearning to know more. The highly saturated, full-bleed illustrations are stunning and work well for large group sharing, making this a serviceable choice for story time despite the staid text. Although they are digital, the illustrations create a sense of depth through the illusion of layered brushstrokes. The weather is the main character, but children—all with light skin—are visible in the background of several spreads.