WIND

“Where does the wind come from?”

This thoroughly engaging book translated from Russian offers a broad overview of wind, from what causes wind to ways in which humans throughout history have harnessed it. Although its opening double-page spread strikes a rather fanciful tone (“Maybe there are giants… / who blow air with all their might?”), this is quickly dispelled by the next page turn, which launches immediately into science. (“It happens because of differences in air pressure….”) The narrative intertwines snippets of historical facts and basic science (the Beaufort scale, how hurricanes form, etc.), keeping readers intrigued and entertained. Full of rich textures, the full-color, double-page spreads are masterful in both design and imagery and add a colorful, dynamic, and sometimes whimsical layer to the factual narrative. Noteworthy is the book’s scope. Examples of discoveries related to wind span the globe. The major types of wind that surround the planet (trade winds, prevailing westerlies, etc.) are clearly defined and illustrated, underscoring the universality of wind and its effects on all of Earth’s land masses. The author also describes wind’s influence on human inventions such as boats and airplanes as well as its impact and importance for animals and plants.

A beautiful and fascinating primer on the wind.