How far is the Earth from the Sun? How are shadows made? The "What is Weather?" series introduces nine-year-old reluctant readers to key weather conditions. It presents essential information through appealing and easy-to-understand examples. This volume focuses on the topic of rain. The "What is Weather?" titles are part of the "Take-Off" series, which is designed to be used with children at the age of nine who are struggling to achieve the levels of literacy expected for their age. The titles chosen have been based on best-selling titles within existing Heinemann Library series and meet all Key Stage 2 requirements for their subject. The National Literacy Strategy emphasizes that children with special educational needs should work, wherever possible, with their peers within the Literacy Hour. The aim is to use structured, intensive teaching to enable as many children as possible eventually to work at the appropriate level for their age.