When the Storm Comes
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
A storm and its sunny aftermath come to life through gorgeous art and lyrical text.
What do you do when the clouds roll in,
When the wind chimes clang and the weather vanes spin?
When stormy skies threaten, people stock up on supplies, bring in their outside toys, and check the news for updates. And during the storm, if the power goes out, they can play games and tell stories by candlelight. But what do animals do? They watch and listen, look for a cozy den or some other sheltered spot, and hunker down to wait. After the storm, while the people are cleaning up their yards, making repairs, and checking on the neighbors, the animals emerge from their hiding places and shake off the rain. And everyone is happy to be out in the sunshine again, grateful for better weather and the company of friends.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"What do you do when the clouds roll in,/ When the wind chimes clang and the weather vanes spin?" In verse that rolls like a sea shanty, Ashman (Take Your Pet to School Day) watches as animals and people ride out a storm. Bad weather looms even on the copyright page: trees blow sideways, and gray clouds threaten a peaceful blue sky. As the story begins, a girl looks out her window with a worried expression. A family of foxes watches expectantly, too: "We watch./ We sniff./ We perk our ears,/ And listen as the rumbling nears." A child runs home as a parent beckons. While humans take shelter ("We close. We cover,/ Latch and tie"), gulls seek coves and whales dive deep. Pencil and digital spreads by Yoo (Kitten and the Night Watchman) have a hand-worked feel, with loosely drawn lines and sponge print textures that suggest the advancing pressure and glad release of a storm passing. Final spreads show the ocean-adjacent community cleaning up, then gathering for refreshments. The emphasis is clear; in the face of natural forces, human and animal communities are alike in their vulnerability. Ages 3 7.
