The World from Here by Cassy Polimeni. Illus. by Mel Armstrong

Did you know that looking for faces, patterns, animals in nature is called pareidolia?
Or that the study of clouds is called nephology?

This newly released non-fiction picture book will provide answers to many common questions about clouds and weather, along with other interesting observations and explanations shared in a simple scientific manner. 

The two main curious characters, Milo who is lying in the grass observing clouds, and Maya who is in a plane looking out the window, share different perspectives from the view they both have. The storm that affects them both does so in distinct ways. Milo is inside watching the storm from a window while Maya is ‘inside’ the storm as it tosses her plane about. Both experience feelings of being scared and simple strategies are provided to help them manage their fear. After the storm, the outside world can be changed and Milo wanders around noticing nature with new eyes.

This is a deeply thoughtful book, encouraging children to be aware of their surroundings and observe the natural world. The colourful and appealing illustrations share the pages with text shapes providing fascinating and accessible scientific names and insights. In the final pages are detailed facts about weather as well as a glossary.

Teacher Notes: https://www.publishing.csiro.au/book/8210#forteachers

Themes: Weather, Clouds, Perspective, Observation, Wonder, Questions, Meteorology, Geography, Science.

Kathryn Beilby