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Thunder-Boomer!

(2009, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by Shutta Crum, Illustrated by Carol Thompson)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Storm brings lots of excitement -- and a very happy ending.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids will learn a little bit about farm life as they see everyone prepare for severe weather.

  • Messages:

    The family works together to get ready for the storm.

  • Role models:

    The parents work cooperatively, and the kids help out, too.

  • Illustrations:

    Line drawings washed with watercolors accurately portray the chaotic events before and during the storm as well as the rosy peace afterward.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    For kids afraid of thunderstorms the idea of the book may be scary. Also, Maizey the chicken goes missing in the storm, but dad promptly rescues her.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Thunder-Boomer!

Parents need to know that this book about a thunderstorm on a Midwestern farm is exciting, but it's not too scary for preschoolers. Rife with sound effects, it makes a great read aloud, and the rhythm of the words reflects the growing power of an oncoming storm, the loud impact of its arrival, and the peaceful glow once it has left.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about storms they've gone through. Or if they don't live in an area where thunderstorms are common, they can talk about their own exciting or interesting weather.
  • Kids can act out the family's scurrying while parents read out loud. Quick! To the wash line to yank down the laundry!
  • Bigger kids might want to go to the library and read up on thunderstorms. Why do they happen, and how?
  • What are the safety rules in a lightening storm?
  • Kids can make a poster illustrating their favorite part of the book. Is it when Thunder-Boomer joins the family? Or when Dad's favorite underwear goes flying?
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