When it comes to natural disasters, tornadoes (aka twisters) are considered one of the world’s most notable weather phenomena due to their destructive potential. These rotating columns of air can have wind speeds anywhere from 65mph to over 200mph and, in rare cases, up to 300mph. These events can leave extensive damage in their path, and even loss of life. Tornado activity is most prominent in North America’s “Tornado Alley” (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska). Here in the UK, tornadoes are rare, but not unknown. The children’s picture book Oliver and the Twisting Tornado, by Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson, is book two in the Navigating Natural Disasters series, introduces young readers to storm safety and emotional resilience around tornadoes.
The story follows Oliver (Ollie to his family and friends) and his younger sister Emma as they prepare for a potential tornado on their family farm.
Young siblings, Ollie and Emma, live on a farm with their mum, dad, clucking chickens and a creaky old windmill. Life is good but they are always on the lookout for the telltale funnel cloud that signals a tornado. Oliver’s favourite book is a book about weather and on the school bus he teaches the other kids about the differences between a tornado watch, a tornado warning and a tornado emergency as it is information that they all need to know. One Saturday morning at breakfast, a special weather alert is broadcast on the television, interrupting their Saturday morning routine of cartoons and chores. This simple warning prompts the family swiftly into action – seeing them engaging in activities such as checking emergency supplies, bringing in the animals and securing property. Outlining the family’s response to the emergency weather alert by taking shelter.
As the threatening sky get darker and darker, the family go to their underground reinforced storm shelter where they will be safe from the raging, twisting winds.
Inside the shelter, Ollie seeks reassurance by reading about weather events outside (a method of managing anxiety through understanding).
Using straightforward and accessible language, young readers can understand the context; it clarifies what tornadoes are, how alerts are issued and what preparation is required for a tornado event for as much safety as possible. It also looks are what happens after the storm with recovery efforts and emphasises the role of community support following a natural disaster.
Overall, I thought Oliver and the Twisting Tornado was a simple, engaging and informative picture book about tornadoes and pre/post events. It looks at tornadoes, how warnings are issued, how to prepare for them and what happens afterwards in a way that young readers will be able to grasp and ask more questions about. While in the UK we may not experience the devastating tornadoes found it the US, we do have extremely strong winds from time to time (and do have the odd tornado), so it is good for young readers to learn about different weather phenomena and what to do in case of one as well as appreciating what happens in other countries.
The book integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with topics including:
- Preparation: Stresses the value of emergency kits, identifying shelters and understanding alerts.
- Family Connection: Illustrates how collaborative action supports well-being.
- Community Support/Spirit: Depicts neighbours assisting each other after disasters.
- Emotional Resilience: Promotes knowledge and planning as ways to address fear.
The illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova complement the text, adding a wonderful visual depiction of the progression of the storm and the characters’ responses. The illustrations are clear and concise, bringing out the seriousness of the topic.
Within the text, factual information is embedded within the storyline using accessible language and without lots of technical jargon. The story is delivered well using a family scenario, with the illustrations showing characters being curious and asking questions, overcoming their nervousness and anxieties by learning as much as possible about what happens, making it very relatable to young readers. Their parents model calm authority, helping to deliver relevant information while reducing fear.
Oliver and the Twisting Tornado is an excellent resource that provides an introduction into tornado preparedness and response – suitable for home or classroom use. While tornadoes remain infrequent in the UK (although the UK has a relatively high number per square kilometre according to the UK Met Office), the story is relevant for general discussions about extreme weather (that can include climate change as weather patterns do seem to be getting more extreme), preparation and community resilience.
This is a good story that educates as well as entertains, a good addition to the Navigating Natural Disasters series. While essentially more relevant to US readers (and other countries that may have tornadoes) as tornadoes rarely touch down in the UK, this book is very relevant as it teaches universal lessons about preparedness, community and courage under pressure.
And when young page turners complete the book and have learned more about tornado preparedness, the book has a simple warning checklist and a Certificate of Resilience & Preparedness where children can add their name to and engage them further with the story and topics learned.
You can also read more about how to prepare for an emergency on the UK Government Prepare website, www.ready.gov in the USA and www.nema.gov.au/prepare in Australia.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £19.99 (Hardcover) / £10.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit navigatingnaturaldisasters.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
