FICTION

Safe in a Storm

by Stephen R. SWINBURNE
illus. by Jennifer A. Bell. 32p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. May 2016. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9780545867924.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—Reassuring glimpses of adult animals keeping their young safe from storms begin with a dog and pup heading indoors as black clouds gather. Spread-length illustrations with muted colors depict the power of winds and rain without overwhelming young listeners. They can focus on the protections provided by a parent's closeness whether in a bears' den, owls' sturdy tree, or bobcats' sheltering ledge. The rhymed couplet included with each illustration features the voice of the adult soothing its young. From giraffes on the savanna to whales beneath the ocean, all will weather the storms. The final pages return to dog and pup, first gazing through a window at the pelting rain outside, then snuggling together to sleep. Caroline Starr Rose offers a more sustained account of a single storm in Over in the Wetlands (Random, 2015).
VERDICT This tender overview of adult care will work best for one-on-one sharing and conversation to overcome a child's fears. A worthwhile but not essential purchase.
Reviewed by Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato
As storm clouds gather, an adult collie guides a puppy home. Glimpses of other adult animals protecting their young follow, each captioned with a comforting rhyming couplet assuring young readers that "a storm will always end." Soothing, swirling double-page illustrations accompany the story, which ends with the collie and pup cuddling peacefully indoors.
 , Mar 01, 2016

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

A Web of Christmas Love
by Morris, Steppie
BOOKS

The End of Always
by Phillips, Rebecca
BOOKS

La verdad sobre el sofá
by Rubin, Adam
BOOKS

Every Time You Hear That Song
by Voris, Jenna
BOOKS

La maleta de tesoros
by Sylvester, Natalia
BOOKS

This Night Is Ours
by Davis, Ronni
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?