Kris Hirschmann

This book introduces the most violent storms on Earth. Readers will learn where tornadoes are most common, such as Tornado Alley, when they are most likely to occur, and why. Chapters highlight how storms form, the effects of air pressure, temperature, and moisture differences, wind shear, storm rotation and the formation of a mesocyclone, funnel clouds, and how spinning air reaches from cloud to ground to form a tornado. Other sections cover the...

This book introduces where, why, when, and how often hurricanes occur. Engaging text breaks down concepts for the reader, such as air pressure differences, cloud formation, updrafts, rising air, and rotating winds. Chapters highlight the progression from tropical disturbance to tropical depression to hurricane based on wind speeds, as well as hurricane structure from rain bands to the eyewall to the eye. Readers will learn how hurricanes are classified...

This book introduces how different types of precipitation form and the dangers and benefits they provide. Readers will learn how fast-moving molecules escape bodies of water through evaporation, how air rises, how the dew point affects condensation and the formation of clouds, and how cloud droplets grow and become heavy enough to fall as precipitation. Other chapters highlight raindrop shapes, hailstorms and the layers that form when hail circulates...

This book introduces the tools scientists use to predict the weather. Chapters highlight the history of forecasting, folk sayings, the importance of inventions such as the thermometer and the barometer, and vital tools such as anemometers, hygrometers, rain gauges, radar, weather balloons, satellites, and computer models. Readers will learn about short- and long-term weather prediction, how weather information is shared across the globe, and the future...

"Describes the invention and development of LEGO toys. Includes glossary, websites, and bibliography for further reading"--Provided by publisher.

"Use the pictures and written clues to identify each animal under the flap. From pointy ears to round ears--get ready for some fun!"--Back cover.

Examines a staple of fiction that has haunted humankind's nightmares for thousands of years. It was only about 200 years ago that vampires first appeared in works of literature and they are likely to continue their hold on the reading public's imagination for years to come.

Discusses what quicksand is, how it is formed, its dangers, and how to avert disasters.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, defense mechanisms, and life cycle of the ray, a close relative of the shark.

The kids in Ms. Frizzle's class share what they learned during their unit on space and the planets.