Reviews for The big storm : a very soggy counting book
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
When a storm starts to brew, the forest animals all take cover in a cave. Bird flies in first as the clouds get darker. Second is Mouse, who scampers in with the wind. Swirling leaves make Squirrel head for cover, while Rabbit leaps at the lightning. Finally the rain starts and sends Chipmunk to safety. Thunder is the final straw for Woodchuck, Raccoon, Opossum, Red Fox and Skunk, who make ten. The animals huddle all night through the storm. The morning dawns bright and clear, but why do they still hear a rumble and grumble? The slow counting build-up is nicely succeeded by a quick countdown as the animals all head back to the forest. Rendered in watercolor inks and pencils, Tafuri's illustrations have a charming qualityfuture artists can see the pencil marks and aspire to create illustrations of their own. Careful observers will notice the tracks leading into the cave (even before the first animal enters) and can test their knowledge by matching them to the correct animal. Just in time for summer thundershowers. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
PreS-K-Youngsters will begin counting up to 10 immediately as the gathering clouds and wind force a bird to take cover in a hollow part of a hill. Next comes a mouse scampering for shelter, followed by a skittering squirrel. They are soon joined by a rabbit, a chipmunk, a fox, etc. In the morning, after the skies clear, the 10 small woodland critters continue to hear "a rumble and a grumble in the air" and realize that their cave was already occupied by two sleeping bears. Children can then count back down as the animals make a hasty exit. Characteristic of a beloved Tafuri tale, this title accomplishes much with simplicity. Repetitive words-"rumble" and "grumble"-add tension to the plot. Dramatic poses picture the animals' wariness of the storm ahead. They are drawn huddled together for the night as a cozy bunch. An autumn-colored palette with orange-and-yellow leaves swirling across a spread is rendered in watercolor and watercolor pencils. A large black font shows each numeral up to 10. This book could be used for remembering sequences and lessons in "What happened next?"-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.
With a storm approaching, a group of woodland animals seek refuge, one by one. First, comes Bird ( Now there was 1 in the hill hollow ), then, as the wind increases and lightning, rain, and thunder begin, Rabbit, Chipmunk, and others scurry for cover, until 10 animals wait out the storm snugly together. After the sky clears, they continue to hear a rumble and a grumble, and they realize that they are not alone in their safe burrow. After running outside, they discover a gorgeous day. The simple, lively prose and delightful wildlife illustrations present both a real story and a counting exercise, from one to ten. While the familiar storm elements are realistically dramatic, the story reassuringly emphasizes the comfort that the animals find, as well as their exuberant relief when the storm passes. The detailed watercolor artwork captures nature's drama and beauty, from gray skies and swirling leaves to the expressive animals enjoying a sunny, rainbow-filled day. A fine choice for sharing anytime, this will make a particularly apt addition to weather-themed story hours.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2009 Booklist
