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Review: Heatwave

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By Lauren Redniss
New York: Random House Studio, 2024. Picture Book.

On a record-breaking too-hot day, people are eager to escape the heat. Today is one of those too hot in the city; too hot at the beach kind of days. The heatwave is visually described with redscale illustrations and drooping, slumping figures -- kids will understand right away that it is hot. Finally, the rain arrives -- drop by drop until the blue rain colors and cools the whole city.

With simple but effective text and visually descriptive illustrations, this understated climate warning is remarkably well done. Readers of all ages will appreciate the sensory experience of an intensely hot day and the relief when it finally breaks.
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