Forecast for Kids: 'It's Raining Fish and Spiders'

He's been predicting and explaining the weather for 35 years now but the years don't belie the enthusiasm and passion Bill Evans has for all things meteorological.

The Old Greenwich resident, who's won Emmy Awards for his television broadcasts on Channel 7 WABC in New York, has channeled his interest in the weather into a book for middle-school students. "It's Raining Fish and Spiders" is officially released today by Forge Book and Tom Doherty Associates.

And to coincide with the book launch, Evans is scheduled to discuss the book at the Old Greenwich School Book Fair at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"There is nothing for middle school kids to get excited about with the weather," says Evans. "A kid can pick up this book and find out how a weather system forms, what is a hurricane, what is a tornado. I wanted to write something that was catchy and interesting."

Evans adds, "I wanted education through entertainment ... that's what Walt Disney did."

Evans isn't a stranger to writing books—he has three best-selling weather thriller novels under his belt, with a fourth ("Blackmail Earth") due out next month.

"No matter where you flip open the book, there is a funny title and illustrations to catch their eyes," Evans explains of the book that took about a year to write.

The soft-bound book is chock full of data, history, photos and illustrations that explain everything from how snowflakes are formed, how hurricanes are named to and what conditions create a tornado to precautions to take during extreme weather conditions and various weather records. It's all told in an informative, anecdotal format.

And the title, says Evans, is based on real-weather occurrences. Extreme weather systems with heavy winds like hurricanes and tornados have blown fish and other animals, and other materials, across the landscape.

Evans says the book ($18.99) that he hopes will become a staple in middle schools around the country, will be updated annually and reprinted.

*Editor's note: this story has been updated to correct the date of Evans' discussion at Old Greenwich School.