Heat Wave

by Helen Ketteman, Scott Goto (Illustrator)

What happens when a heat wave descends on the family farm? Why, the corn stalks turn into popcorn in the fields, flowers pluck themselves and hide under the porch, and the cows jump so much from the hot air that they churn their own milk into butter, that's what! In this delightful tall tale, illustrated by Scott Goto ( Shooting Star, Shoeshine Whittaker ), a young girl saves the day (and the farm) using her own ingenuity, every crow in Kansas, and a packet of lettuce seeds.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Fantasy

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

author and mother of two grown sons. Texas, where she lived for 9 years, is one of her favorite places and several of her books are set there. She, her husband, and their two cats currently live in Sanibel Island, Florida--where plenty of armadillos live, too.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha! This was a fantastic tall tale! Okay, okay. So the final joke was eye-roll inducing. But it was still funny. And I laughed out loud at a few of the heat-related jokes. Living in a hot area, this one really resonated with me. I get a smile on my face just thinking about it!

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for kids who like Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

[Yusra Alwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story, Students love reading this story over and over again , they also love the illustrations.
I love teaching this story and watch the children's reactions.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the worst heat wave Kansas has ever seen. “The mercury blasted out of the porch thermometer like a rocket. Ma’s flowers pulled themselves up by their roots and crawled under the porch looking for shade.” And that’s only the beginning. Just how is this young girl going to save the day? Thankfully, she has some pretty good ideas up her sleeve.

Hysterical illustrations.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good grief. Children enjoy silly books, and I usually do, as well, but Heat Wave is a bit over the top. The voice is wonderful - spot on Midwesterner's farmer narration - but the action is packed with every silly heat/food joke you can imagine. This must have been written with the the intention of supporting the accompanying illustration (which I found mildly grotesque and disconcerting - too much eye-popping and open-mouthed shock for me). And be prepared for a big ol' roll of the eyes at the finish.

[D.shelton]

You could help students right their own stories about a Heat Wave in the city or town where they live.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love tall tales! Illustrations are very funny! Well-written, humorous. Strong female character comes to the rescue during a heat wave on her family farm.
This book is sure to get the kids laughing, adults, too!

[Jessie Wilkens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I would not add a children's book (normally I wouldn't read a children's book) but this was super cute and I want to remember it. I loved the illustrations and the writing.

[Amanda Davenport · Rating 1 out of 5]

in our basal and it sucks, but maybe i just hated teaching it like that

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this school and its good but......................

[Debra]

K - 5

Energy - Heat and Weather

[Vivian Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being from southern Indiana a lot of kids could relate to a heat wave. Maybe not as crazy as the heat wave in this story but still.

[Kiriwho · Rating 3 out of 5]

4th Grade
Compare fantasy to reality

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stayed awesomely weird throughout. I don't get tired of the corn popping into popcorn trope.

[Lexi]

I don't know what to think because I haven't read the book yet I'm getting there bit so far I been getting used to this website.O:-)

[Renise Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly imaginative story with a fun surprise ending! The illustrations were spot on, rich in color, very emotional and expressive. The expressions on the animal's faces were hilarious.

[Tyree]

i read this at school this book is awsome

[Dani Roel · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was the best book i have ever read