Ohio Thunder

by Denise Dowling Mortensen

ZAP! One hundred million volts. Cloud to ground advancing bolts. Lyrical verse and stunning illustrations vividly bring to life the speed and drama of a summer storm on a midwestern farm. Gorgeous paintings depict blackened skies above vast stretches of farmland, long tracts of tall corn, and brightly colored barns, but also add subtext to the story, showing two farm boys and their father reacting to the sudden shift in the weather. This remarkable pairing of word and pictures conveys a sense of wonder about the natural world and makes for a picture book any child who has ever been frightened by a storm will respond to.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published May 15, 2006

About the author

Denise Dowling Mortensen is the author of five picture books: Good Night Engines, Wake Up Engines, a board book/flip book of both Good Night Engines and Wake Up Engines, Ohio Thunder and Bug Patrol (all published by HMHCO). While listening to bedtime stories as a young girl she developed a passion for words, especially lyrical verse.

She studied Journalism in college and went on to work at CBS News and the Conde Nast Publications. While raising her five children, she freelanced as a copy editor and proofreader. When her youngest child was a baby, she began writing books for young children.

Now, when she's not writing, reading, painting, drawing, eating ice cream, or traveling, she works as a special education assistant in the district office of a local public school district. She lives in a suburb of Chicago.

Reviews

[Lauren Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a stunning book that is both entertaining to read and beautiful to look at. It is set in Ohio, which is a close reality for the children who I will be teaching. The text is rhyming using very descriptive words.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Thunderstorms are a part of life in the Midwest. The book describes the thunderstorm from a person who lives there.

Reflection:
Great rhyming. The illustrations make this book so much more powerful.

Theme: poetry, thunderstorms, Midwest, weather

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved watching thunderstorms, and this book really described not only the storm itself but the feeling of someone watching Mother Nature show her stuff. The rhyme was very smooth and natural, making it an easy choice for younger readers.

[Jessica Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the quality of the pictures and writing in the book. It would be useful to start a science lesson about thunderstorms. It could even be useful to read during a storm to help if young kids are scared.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read aloud book with stunning illustrations. This book almost puts the reader in the middle of a thunderstorms, and is a great book for helping children become a little less afraid of thunderstorms.

[Amber Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing painted illustrations and story that depict the darkened skies of an upcoming storm! This book can be great for in the classroom (text to subject) connections for science, weather..etc. Moderate vocabulary and reading for younger elementary.

[Marcia First · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Poetry

The book is beautifully illustrated and in beautiful language describes the wonder of lightening storms in the midwest. The book is written in verse

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boys love this one! Second time getting it from the library so I think it's time to make a purchase soon.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that's how you tell a story through rhyme! I love a good thunderstorm especially in my home state of Ohio. Great common core tie in on weather and rhyme.

[GS Dachslove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electricity theme

Poetic, building of a storm to after a storm.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the descriptions of American Midwestern weather on a typical summer afternoon. Powerful nostalgic writing. Ohio Thunder is a true story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome example of descriptive writing for the classroom!

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple poem and beautiful illustrations of a farm and an approaching storm.