Wind is a Dance: Story Time with Debra Shumaker

Join us for a special story time with author Debra Shumaker for the release of her next book, Wind is a Dance. Learn about how wind shapes nature, helps us move forward, and can make us struggle.

Description of Wind is a Dance

Poetic text and ethereal illustrations combine with science facts about wind in this delightful informational picture book.
"You can feel wind ... but you can't see it. What is wind?" This exploration of different types of wind pairs lyrical descriptions of wind types with accessible, informational sidebars about each. The whimsical narrative uses metaphor to help readers visualize wind's characteristics: "Wind is a butterfly - fluffing flower petals and ruffling riverbank grasses." Informative bubbles on each page compliment these descriptions with short explanations of each wind type, which range from a light breeze to a hurricane. Evocative illustrations further bring the text to life in this fascinating introduction to the ever-changing wind.
Author Debra Kempf Shumaker uses figurative language and metaphors to capture the imagination of readers as they learn about wind. Her imagery will inspire readers to find their own words to represent the world around them, and in particular to answer the question at the end of the book: "How would you describe the wind today?" The breezy illustrations by award-winning, bestselling artist Josée Bisaillon help readers feel the movement of the air. With its easy-to-understand depictions of the types of wind, this is a perfect STEAM pick for lessons on daily and seasonal weather. More information about types of wind, the Beaufort scale and a list of resources for further learning are at the back of the book.

About the Author and Illustrator

Debra Kempf Shumaker started reading at the age of four and hasn't stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now lives in the suburbs of Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons and two cats. She is the author of many nonfiction articles and several books for children. Visit her online at debrashumaker.com.

Josée Bisaillon is an award-winning Canadian illustrator living near Montréal, Québec. Since 2005, she has illustrated more than 40 picture books and has done numerous editorial illustrations for magazines and newspapers. Her work, a unique mixture of collage, drawing and digital art, takes us into a poetic, colorful and whimsical world. When not making picture books, Josée finds her happy place when traveling, in nature, and when she's reading a good novel with her cat on her lap.