Storm by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Title: Storm

Author: Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Genre: Non-Fiction

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 31^st March 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 28

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: A storm is brewing. From the first puff of wind to a howling gale, this beautiful non-fiction picture book offers a deeply researched exploration of the effects of wind and weather, from CBCA award-winning creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft.

It begins with a puff. Then another. A flutter, a ripple, a shiver show where the breeze blows. Tiny water drops join and grow until they are too heavy to stay aloft. Lightning cracks and thunder bellows. The storm is here.

An evocative exploration of the birth of a thunderstorm and the effects of wind and weather on the natural environment. In the vein of Iceberg, Tree and Volcano – combining deep scientific research, lyrical language and stunning illustrations – Storm is the next exploration of the natural world from the CBCA award-winning team of Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft.

Perfect for:
– Anyone who’s ever wondered how a storm forms
– Schools looking for engaging illustrated non-fiction
– Parents of children who love weather, science and the natural world.

~*~

Storms are part of life, and they can come in quickly or build slowly. They bring rain, clouds, thunder and lightning. They stir up the seas and waves, and dance across the sky in dark clouds. Sometimes, they begin slowly. A puff of air, the smell of rain lingering, and the clouds building up.

The world goes into hiding. The fish scurry away and the birds leave the sky as the thunderstorm builds and grows over the beach. Storm is the latest in the non-fiction picture book series by Claire Saxby and illustrated by Jess Racklyeft brings storms and how they form to life for younger readers. It captures a moment in time, a part of nature that not everyone understands. This book brings it to life, and shows just how quickly a thunderstorm can sweep across a landscape.

We all see storms rush in or appear. We watch them build, bolt across the sky and spill over into our world, but do we know how they form? This is a great book to explain that in simple terms, so readers can go deeper into things if they want to. It’s a great resource for all ages, for schools, teachers, students and everyone with a keen interest in illustrated non-fiction.

And if you have a child who is into weather, science, and the natural world, this, and Claire’s other books about icebergs, trees and volcanos are brilliant as well. They make learning fun and engaging, and can spark an interest in something new for children and all readers who engage with this book.

Non-fiction picture books are a great way to introduce kids to something new, or expand their knowledge and spark interest. Or, to show them another way of seeing things, and Claire and Jess always do a great job.