Caldecott Medalist Jason Chin (Watercress) delivers yet another exquisite exploration of our world with Hurricane, a book that tracks an imaginary storm as it heads for and hits Hatteras Island, North Carolina. It’s an excellent, informative blend of storytelling and science that is chock-full of charts, diagrams and clear, concise explanations, all bolstered by Chin’s appealing ink and watercolor illustrations.
Chin begins with the formation of the storm over the Atlantic, showing a weather satellite snapping images every minute as it hovers 22,000 miles above Earth. As hurricane specialists at the National Hurricane Center track its progress, beachgoers on Hatteras begin to chat about its possible arrival. These families become a focal point of the book as they prepare for the storm, evacuate and eventually clean up, all while helping one another—their goodwill and collaboration an ongoing theme. Observant young readers will also enjoy following a stray cat that weathers the storm.
Chin conveys the urgency of the many people affected by hurricanes, including homeowners, vacationers, meteorologists and hurricane hunters. Several pages devoted to these dangerous data-gathering flight missions are particularly intriguing, with excellent illustrations explaining the various ways scientists make their way through life-threatening conditions. Chin effectively uses spot illustrations to depict the multitude of preparations, such as boarding windows, pulling boats out of the water, buying gas and groceries. He often combines a big picture (such as a map of the projected storm track) with smaller, related inset illustrations (showing, for instance, the concept of storm surge). With such an abundance of information—always presented in an easily digestible way—the book is ripe for repeat readings. Extensive backmatter provides lengthier explanations on a variety of topics, as well as an author’s note.
Chin maintains a factual tone throughout, whetting readers’ appetites for knowledge without stoking fears. Scientists and residents alike take an orderly approach, doing their jobs and preparing as much as possible. Chin shows the immense powers of hurricanes, while concluding that while in this imaginary case no one was killed, things could have been worse.
Stressing the importance of science and collaboration, Chin’s Hurricane offers an invaluable reference for all, including informed young beachgoers, weather watchers and budding scientists.
