What’s the weather like today? Seems like someone is always asking that question. Sometimes we are curious; sometimes we’re fascinated; sometimes we need to make a decision!

It’s no fun when you have a picnic planned but a storm rolls in at just the wrong moment … and that’s just run-of-the-mill weather. Let’s not talk about the disruption of tornadoes or hurricanes!

Meteorologist Steve LaNore looks to bring a sunny side to the skies by combining his weather knowledge with his sense of humor in his book Weather Wits & Science Snickers: Corny Jokes and Cool Facts!

Weather Wits & Science Snickers is full of entertaining AND educational kid-friendly (self-proclaimed corny) jokes. The book is perfect for a kid who loves science, reading, fun drawings, or just any silly stuff in general. Steve is the Chief Meteorologist at KXII-TV in Sherman, Texas. He’s forecast the weather on TV in other places around Texas, too: in San Antonio for 9 years and Austin for 6 years! When it comes to talking weather, Steve’s our guy.

“Weather” You Like it or Not…

MCA: Hi Steve! What motivated you to create Weather Wits & Science Snickers?
Steve: I am frequently invited to visit classrooms and speak on weather and science. I have noticed over the years that kids enjoy laughing while they learn. Since I have a corny streak a mile wide, I thought “why not put together a science joke book?” So that’s what I did. 

MCA: Ha, ha! Simple and to the point! Given that you’re a science guy AND comedian, did you have any challenges in trying to become an children’s author?
Steve: I consider myself a decent writer but a terrible artist. It was difficult to find someone who could translate the pictures within my head into physical form. I lost about a year waiting for the art portion of the project to fall into place.

I was very fortunate to eventually locate an untapped talent right where I live. It was simple persistence that carried the day in this regard.

MCA: With picture books, it is the imagery that can make or break a fan’s reaction. Finding just the right illustrator makes a huge difference in how your book is received! How has the feedback been from those who’ve read your book? Is it what you were hoping for?
Steve: The feedback from children, teachers, and parents has been very positive. I have won two other awards, one of them a national award from the NFPW, for Weather Wits and Science Snickers. I did not write it to be a textbook, but some home-school and public school educators are using it in the classroom.

I say this not to boast but to express my confidence that it truly is a “cool” book for kids. I believe it will eventually get a much bigger following. I’m not satisfied with sales thus far (700 units in a year), so I am driven to grow my readership.

MCA: We love seeing that drive in our award winners! What do you consider your most important contribution in bring Weather Wits and Science Snickers to families and educators?
Steve: I hope that Weather Wits opens doors to give kids (and their parents) as a fun alternative to traditional science books. I also hope it will spur their interest in exploring beyond what’s in the book.

It’s a great supplemental tool, and I hope that educators will use the reference links to expand the content into many additional hours of science learning. I developed two workbooks that accompany the Weather Wits main book so the material can be taught in a home or classroom setting if desired.

MCA: Very nice! Given that your day job is on television, has anything about becoming an award-winning author changed your life?
Steve: I’ve enjoyed writing songs and poems since high school, but I guess you could say the time and money sunk into this project confirmed what I already knew deep down: I have a passion for writing on par with my love for science.

MCA: It’s good to have many passions in life, especially when you can use them to help educate and entertain others! Now looking ahead future, what’s coming up for you?
Steve: I will continue working to get Weather Wits and Science Snickers into bookstores, classrooms, and home-school groups. I have had good response from book signings and will set up more of these through the summer and fall. 

I’m not giving up on a national publishing deal either. OK, I know that’s a long shot – but Carpe diem, you know?

I will also finish a general interest book that debunks weather myths and get it online in eBook form hopefully by September. I may offer a paperback version of it in time for the Christmas season too (hoping).

I will probably do a Weather Wits Volume 2, if I get enough interest from the first one. I already have half of the jokes written for Volume 2, and some of the art work done too. I have many more books in my head. The genie is out of the bottle!

MCA: It is great to hear your story, Steve. We wish you more sunny days ahead!

Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors

Weather Wits and Science Snickers: Corny Jokes and Cool Facts! (Volume 1)
by Steve LaNore
Juvenile Books Level 2
Silver

Contact, Connect, and Network with Steve

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.