The word tsunami in recent times means horrific things are about to happen. In Japanese the word tsunami means “harbor wave” which happens when there is an earthquake, volcano, or avalanche underwater. Generally in deep water a tsunami is like a small ripple. It grows into a large wave as it gets closer to shore.

In 1929, Kelly's Cover New Founland, five-year-old Pearl Brushett was in bed. Her father was away chopping wood and the rest of her family was downstairs. A tsunami rushed through her small town and carried her and the rest of her family out to sea. A second wave carried Pearl's home back to shore. In 1946, Hilo Hawaii, six-year-old Jeanne Branch heard loud horns outside. She and her brother rushed out to see what the commotion was. The road had been washed out by a first wave. Red ants scattered around their feet. After running back inside a second larger wave that flooded the surrounding area. If Jeanne and her brother had not gone inside they would not have survived.

Wonderful photography depicts the survivors and the devastation surrounding them. Broken homes, vehicles and even boats are washed up on high ground. Many die from these horrible waves that leave little time for escape. A United Nations agency led an effort to place machines that could measure earthquake and send alarms. The new Indian Ocean tsunami warning system launched in June 2006.

Cunningham does an excellent job of taking a horrible subject and turn it into an educational and meaningful way for young readers to learn more about tsunamis. Although this is a sensitive subject young readers, teachers and homeschoolers can learn about survival and how it's accomplished during these rough times. First hand stories, maps, photos and a glossary help readers better understand each situation. Readers can also find suggestions for books and websites to learn even more. ( )