Crum, Shutta. THUNDER-BOOMER! Ill. by Carol Thompson. Clarion. ISBN 9780618618651 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK- 3]
REVIEW
This rhythmic story depicts a storm coming through a midwestern family farm with descriptive phrases for each phase of a thunderstorm. The start is the still and stifling heat prior to the storm’s arrival. Mom says, “I hope this heat breaks soon. We need a thunder-boomer” There is a “soft-touch tease” as the storm rolls in. “Thunder rumbles all around. …Dad…bounds across the yard just as the clouds crack open. Then as if someone turned a faucet on, the rain comes gushing down…” The storm that has caused a hustle bustle of activity concludes as quickly as it started. “Just when I think it will never end, there’s a sudden — hush.”
The watercolor illustrations combined with onomatopoeic language convey the humor as well as the drama of the story. The phrases characterize the growing intensity of the storm, the sudden return to calm, and the aftermath. This is done in a way so that even the youngest reader or listener will not be frightened.
CONNECTIONS
Interview others about what storms or types of weather they have experienced. A local meteorologist could be an engaging speaker for Q & A on various aspects of weather and related safety precautions. Weatherwizkids.com offers experiments on raindrop and cloud formation. List and discuss safety precautions for responding to storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
RELATED BOOKS
Other picture books about weather:
Hesse, Karen. Come On, Rain! ISBN 0590331256
Laser, Michael The Rain. ISBN 0689805063
Polacco, Patricia. Thunder Cake. ISBN 0698115813
Spier, Peter. Peter Spier's Rain. ISBN 0440413478
By Susie Demarest
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