For six days during the year of 1982 this book follows the progress of a big storm across America. The Big Storm by Bruce Hiscock does a wonderful job of incorporating science, geography, and history through delightful watercolor illustrations and maps. The text and illustrations combine for a truthful retelling of the progression of the storm and inform the readers about several weather concepts along the way.

The author is not only a scientist, but a self-taught artist and an avid traveler. He uses this combination of passions to convey such weather topics as low pressure centers, tornados, precipitation, and cold fronts. The book follows the true story of this big storm through both time and geography from the genesis of the storm over the Pacific Ocean to the culmination of the storm six days later in New York City. Having traveled to many of the places he portrays adds to the appeal of his illustrations.

This book could be used with elementary school students as part of a science unit on weather. The book's engaging style of writing draws the readers into the world of weather. Students can participate in real-world science activities such as analyzing wind patterns, air pressure, and cold fronts in their community to forecast the weather--much like the meteorologists in the book.

This book recounts the true account of The Big Storm of 1982 in a manner that reads like a story. I enjoyed not only the text of this book but also the fascinating watercolor illustrations. The Big Tree, another of Mr. Hiscock's books, delighted my family in a similar fashion.