Joan Axelrod-Contrada, Ann Malaspina “Zeke the Weather Geek: There’s a Lizard in My Blizzard!”

For lovable Zeke the Weather Geek, can a disappointing birthday surprise turn out to be just what saves the day – and prove he has what it takes to be a Weather Warrior?

With a weather station in his yard and a weather journal in his pocket, it’s no wonder Zeke Abramovich is called Zeke the Weather Geek. It’s a nickname he’s proud of. But what he really wants is to be a Weather Warrior, which can only happen if he wins Miss Li’s Winter Photo Contest. Except none of his perfect photo ideas have panned out. And on top of that, his birthday surprise is a pet lizard, not the Saint Bernard puppy he’s been dreaming about. Zeke’s Mood Meter plummets to negative 100 degrees. But things may be looking up. A major blizzard is on the way! With all that snow, Zeke is sure get a prize-winning photo and Weather Warrior status, right?

Along with a hilarious plot and an endearing cast of diverse characters, this fun opening title of a new early chapter book by Joan Axelrod-Contrada and Ann Malaspina, has loads of standout STEAM content on the science of weather. Topics covered, both within the story and in lively between-chapter information segments, include snow and how it’s formed, other types of winter precipitation, the water cycle, meteorology, blizzards and climate change. Along with a glossary of weather words and selected sources, the book includes instructions for an experiment, tips on keeping a weather journal and ideas for action to fight climate change. The high-energy, black-and-white art by Paula J. Becker on every spread brings Zeke, and real-world science, to humorous life.