Rainy Day Reading
For many young children, thunderstorms are terrifying experiences. Flashing lightning, loud thunder, and pelting rain disturb a child’s quiet world. We need not scoff at our child’s fears. Two millennia ago, seasoned fishermen who had weathered many gales were greatly disturbed by a storm until Jesus demonstrated His power by calming it. Read The Storm Book together, and it may calm some of your child’s dread of storms.
The Storm Book has a unique layout: a double page of black text on a white page is followed by a double-page spread of illustration. Linger over these pictures, finding the items mentioned on the pages before. The story follows the effect of a rainstorm on a farm, but it also shows other areas affected, such as the city, the beach, and the mountains. Written and illustrated in 1952, The Storm Book has weathered the years with grace and will be a valuable addition to your home library.
A Loving, Open Relationship
The boy in the story turns to his mother as his primary source of information. Throughout the book, he asks his mother to explain things to him. He does not doubt that she will have an answer to his question. Share with your child the importance of asking parents to explain new things. Encourage him to seek you when he has questions about his world.
The Science of Storms
When the little boy asks what the thunder is, his mother responds, “Rain clouds breaking against each other, and that is the sound they make.” Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll by Franklin Branley (HarperTrophy, 1999) is an excellent introduction to thunder and lightning.
Types of Storms
Brainstorm a list of storm types. Rain, hail, and snowstorms are some. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms are other choices. What about sleet? How many types of storms can you name?
Storm Safety
Take time to explain what to do and what not to do during a storm. Why is important to stay inside and unplug appliances? Assemble an emergency kit. Include the following items: a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, first-aid supplies, a small fire extinguisher, a blanket, and water bottles and snacks. What other items might be necessary?
Storm Responses
How does each person in the story respond to the storm? Compare the actions of the boy and his mother, the man in the city, the fisherman, the shepherd, and the mother with her baby. Who responded to the storm most like Jesus in Luke 8:22-25? Discuss why this is true.
God’s Promise
After the Great Flood, God promised Noah and his family that He would never again cover the whole earth with a flood. The sign of this covenant was a rainbow. It is fitting, then, that the mother explained the presence of the rainbow by saying: “That’s the rainbow, little son . . . to show the storm has passed.”
Read about God’s covenant in Genesis 9:11-17. Look for the “bow in the cloud” next time there is a storm.
The Author
Charlotte Zolotow is a prolific children’s author who has written more than seventy books. She has the unique claim of being an editor as well. Discuss the language in The Storm Book. In what ways does Zolotow paint word pictures? Point out her use of letters and words to create sounds describing the storm. How does the sound of thunder (“rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmDDDDDDDDDRRRRRR”) and the rain’s “pitpatpitpatting” enhance the story?
The Illustrator
Illustrator Margaret Bloy Graham may be better known for her book Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion (HarperTrophy, 1976). Compare the illustration in Harry with the pictures in The Storm Book. How are they alike?
Storm Cloud Pictures
Provide the following supplies: blue construction paper, cotton balls, watered-down gray paint, and glue. Explain that you are going to make storm clouds. Dip the cotton balls in the gray paint. Glue the cotton balls, to the construction paper. Create wispy clouds by stretching the cotton balls thin.
Read Together
The suggested activities are included to enhance your reading and discussion of this picture book, but please understand that it is in reading the book with your child that you both receive the most benefit. If these suggestions are helpful, use them. If they are not, skip the activities, but read the book with your child!
When you read together, sit in a comfortable place: a cozy chair, the sofa, or on a bed. Sit closely together. Read clearly and distinctly. Give your child time to study the pictures. Ask questions about what you are reading. Give the words time to sink in. After reading together, give your child a hug and kiss. You are making precious memories together, and you are learning and growing together.
Cloud Watching
Spend time outdoors watching the clouds. While it may not be safe to do this during a storm, each day presents an opportunity to notice cloud formations. As your child grows older, you can teach terms such as cirrus and cumulus. For now, build your child’s background knowledge of cloud formations by simply noticing the differences in common terms. Statements such as “Today the clouds seem so close you can almost touch them” and “Look how high in the sky those clouds look” will prepare your child for future meteorological learning.
©2009 Homeschooling Today magazine, Nehemiah Four, LLC