“This book is a total disaster.” That sentence, written on the back of the book Mother Nature Goes Nuts!, pretty much sums it up. This compact tome offers up stories about tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and floods (and disaster survivors, too!).

The writers explain the nuts and bolts of these events, that is, how a tsunami or hurricane forms, why certain areas are prone to earthquakes or tornadoes, and where you find volcanoes. Easy-to-do projects are sprinkled throughout the book. And whatever you do, don’t leave your sink tap running for a weekend.

Did you know that over the last century over 60 hurricanes have hit the state of Florida? It’s true. In the book Mother Nature Goes Nuts!, you dive into a world of amazing natural disasters.

The book looked really inviting to read, and the topic was exciting. Plus, the book comes with your very own mini-tornado in a bottle. The best thing about Mother Nature Goes Nuts! was all of the real pictures — of real tornado and hurricane disasters. I learned tornado winds can get up to 420 km/h. And I learned how to make my very own tornado machine out of 95 percent recycled things you’re likely to find in your home.

This book is great for kids of all ages (and for adults). If I had to rate this book, I’d give it a 9.5/10. To describe this book in one word, it’s…NUTS! Read this book!!! (It’s awesome!)

(Originally published in the May/June 2009 issue of YES Mag.)