Reviews of Katie and the Magic Umbrella by Kristine Kahanek

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Weatherwise.org - Reviews & Resources

"Meteorologist Kristine Kahanek combines science with play in this educational book filled with colorful illustrations,imaginative explanations,and even discussion questions and a short glossary at the end. Katie and the Magic Umbrella:A Stormy Adventure is a great way to introduce little ones to the wonders of storms."
Jo Giudice, Manager, Dallas Public Library

"Katie and the Magic Umbrella: a Stormy Adventure by Kristine Kahanek is a wonderful picture book for children to learn about thunderstorms. The author takes young readers on a journey to explore how storms develop through the character Katie, a Guardian angel. Katie comes down from heaven to help dispel the fears of a brother and sister during an approaching storm and takes them on an adventure to learn what causes all kinds of storms. The illustrations by Michael Albee and Valerie Jimenez are bright and colorful. The book includes questions for discussion and a review of the concepts introduced along with definitions for weather terms not included in the story. This is a wonderful book for children who have a fear of storms or are just interested in learning more about weather and weather concepts."
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

"Written by television meteorologist and mother of two Kristine Kahanek, Katie and the Magic Umbrella: A Story Adventure is a fantastic children’s picturebook about a guardian angel with pink wings named Katie. When a thunderstorm is brewing, she takes her magic umbrella and teaches the children in her care that thunderstorms aren’t bad things at all - they’re an important part of nature. She teaches them scientific facts about the clouds that storms come from, and the lightning that causes thunder. “Lightning is electricity and the flash is hotter than the surface of the sun! So hot, it makes the air crash together to make the loud sound of thunder. The closer you are to the lightning, the faster you hear the thunder.” An educational as well as entertaining book, especially recommended to share with young people who are nervous about the storms - since knowing more about them is the first step to conquering fear!"
Rebekah Mitchell, Executive Director of MEND

"Thanks so much for sending me the two Katie books. It is absolutely beautiful! I babysat my friend’s three girls on Monday and read it to them. The 3 year old listened a little (and would chime in here & there), the 4 year old stayed interested for most of it, but the 6 year old was captivated. When I got to the Q&A, they loved it! They laughingly shouted out most of the answers but on some of them, they were very serious like "What causes thunder?" and "Where is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm?" It happened to thunder off & on Monday then eventually rained. So it was great we had read the book earlier in the day. Throughout the day I quizzed them about what kind of cloud produces rain and why are we hearing thunder."
Chip Bloecher, Elementary Principal, Carrollton Christian Academy

"I enjoyed reading your book. I think it is something you should be very proud of. It is certainly a book that belongs on the shelf of our library. And if I could be so bold, it belongs on the shelves of elementary schools all over the country."

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