"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is a classic whimsical tale. The characters in this picture book inhabit the land of Chewandswallow, where there are almost daily downpours of food. Preschool students will enjoy the extravagant scenes of landscapes awash with fallen food. While this book is not factually correct (food does not rain down from the sky, at least on this planet), it is an engaging way to start students thinking about weather.
"Rain or Shine" is an interactive book from Scholastic. This book is best used when reading one-on-one with preschool students, as the pages feature lift-up flaps that curious pupils can manipulate as they read. Entertaining and educational for children learning the basics of weather.
In "Sunshine Makes the Seasons," Branley explores the distinctions between the four seasons and explains the causes of different weather patterns. Myriad seasonal images help children absorb the information.
"Oh Say Can You Say What's the Weather Today" features Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat. Readers take a trip on a hot-air balloon with the mischievous cat and learn about atmospheric phenomena while among weather-producing clouds. Preschool students will enjoy the rhyming text that teaches simple weather concepts.
In "What Will the Weather Be?" Dewitt gives a simple explanation of cold and warm fronts and a description of tools of meteorology. While simple enough for preschool learners, this book goes into some detail, extending students' understanding of weather phenomena.
The watercolor illustrations in "Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll" explain the science behind a thunderstorm. Students will empathize with the characters who navigate a scary thunderstorm and whose fears are calmed when they learn about the factors that caused it.