It’s Raining Fish and Spiders by Bill Evans

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Dayton is about an hour away from where I live which is too bad because I think my kids would enjoy meeting Bill, author of It’s Raining Fish and Spiders and asking him all kinds of weather questions! Bill, if you are reading this, please stop by Cincinnati! I received a copy of his new book and my oldest who is 13, loves these types of books… fun-filled informational books that not only offers facts, but pictures and even experiments to try.

The book is broken down into 4 sections: Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Blizzards and Extreme Weather. Then within the sections, there are so many subject headings along with pictures and diagrams. For example, under Tornadoes, there are headings like: Where is Tornado Alley or The Most Tornadoes in Any Month. There are even “Try This at Home Experiments” and in the tornado section the experiment is to make your own tornado! There is a list of links you can go to to learn how to make a tornado in a jar, bottle or even a box.

In It’s Raining Fish and Spiders by Bill Evans you will learn fun facts and fascinating explanations of extreme weather events and he also reveals his hair-raising, unbelievably true stories about what it’s like to be at ground zero when a funnel drops out of the sky, flying into a category 5 hurricane and battling the fierce winds on the top of Mount Washington’s observation platform in the middle of a deadly snowstorm. You can also learn about the job of a Meteorologist, how Bill broke into the business and what this exciting career entails.

Extensively researched and packed with charts, tables, and amazing photographs, It’s Raining Fish and Spiders is an indispensable guide to the power and glory of weather all over the world and an entertaining and educational addition to the library of anyone interested in weather, science, and the natural world.

Fun Facts From The Book:

● Did you know that more than 100 times a year people report fish, frogs, crabs, nuts and bolts and loads of other crazy items raining down on them in the middle of a thunderstorm?

● The most powerful storm EVER RECORDED on the Earth’s surface was Super Typhoon Tip in the Western Pacific in 1979. A cloud formation that spanned 1,350 miles, gale force winds that extended 683 miles from the eye, sustained gusts well over 190 mph and temps as low as -135 degrees Fahrenheit!

● The hurricane season of 2005 was so crazy and there were so many storms that the National Hurricane Center ran out of names and had to turn to the Greek alphabet!

● The snowiest place on Earth is not Siberia, the Alps or Mount Everest – it’s North America! And the hottest place? North America claims that too – Death Valley!

● Did you know that thunder could not exist without lightning?

● There are 1500 ACTIVE volcanoes both on land and in the sea – they make up 80% of the Earth’s surface.

● The biggest known tornado landed in Nebraska in May 2004 – its peak width was nearly 2 1/2 miles wide.

● Oklahoma City, OK is is the US city most at risk for a tornado. Dallas/Fort Worth and Lubbock Texas are a close 2^nd and 3^rd.

● Did you know most snowflakes have SIX sides?

Book Signing:

On October 15th, Mr. Evans will be taking a break from his day job as the Senior Meteorologist for WABC-TV in New York (and Good Morning America as he makes regular appearances on there as well!) to visit Books & Co in Dayton Ohio to talk about his newest book for kids It’s Raining Fish and Spiders. The event starts at 7 pm and is perfect for kids 7+.