One Day in the Prairie: A Wildlife Story About a Tornado at Prairie Dog Town for Children (Ages 6-10)

On a grassy mound in southwestern Oklahoma, a herd of bison moves restlessly. The air buzzes with electricity. It lifts the fur on the backs of the bison and tingles through their feet. But Henry Rush doesn't notice anything different. He has come to the prairie wildlife refuge determined to take a photo of a prairie dog doing a back flip. The bison share the refuge with many animals, from owls to prairie dogs to elk to great blue heron. The approaching storm interrupts the day's activities and sends the animals and Henry scrambling for safety. Who will survive the flash floods and whirling funnel-shaped winds of the tornado? And who will be overcome by them? Newbery medalist Jean Craighead George describes beautifully the expanse of the prairie as well as daily life on it as the inhabitants temporarily adjust to one of nature's most powerful storms. Bob Marstall's illustrations bring to life the quiet drama of the prairie.