 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Thunder-Boomer!
- By Shutta Crum
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Storm brings lots of excitement -- and a very happy ending.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
It's a hot day on the farm, and Mother wonders if the heat will break soon. Sure enough, a thunderstorm is on its way, and there's lots to do before it arrives. Once the "thunder-boomer" hits, the family has to rush inside and watch the excitement safely behind the windows. A thunderstorm brings lots of action, and some fun surprises, too.
Is it any good?
This picture book is exciting without being too exciting, even for kids who are still scared of thunderstorms. The family works well together, and there are a few funny events to keep the burgeoning storm from getting too frightening. Lots of sound effects make this a fun book to read out loud, too.
The illustrations do a good job of capturing the darkening sky and swirling winds, as well as the rain and hail. The line drawings help kids sense the movement of the running kids and flying underwear. The soft watercolors make for impressively murky clouds and a soothing post-storm sunset.
Line drawings washed with watercolors accurately portray the chaotic events before and during the storm as well as the rosy peace afterward.
What 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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AGE
We love Thunder Boomers!
The imagery created by the authors words are amazing!
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| Author: | Shutta Crum |
| Illustrator: | Carol Thompson |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Clarion Books |
| Publication date: | June 15, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
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