Sometimes Stormy

by Amanda Davis

Help children ages 5-8 understand and cope with a parent’s substance use disorder

Sometimes Stormy explores what it’s like to live with a parent struggling with alcohol use disorder. A young boy named Ezra realizes his dad is plagued by a troubling storm—the Sometimes Storm—that sometimes visits their home and changes Dad. He goes searching for the storm’s favorite thing, hoping that he can make it go away. But when the storm persists, Ezra turns to caring adults, who help him discover how to live with the Sometimes Storm instead.

This empathetic book includes a note from author Amanda Davis, relaying her inspiration for the story and setting the stage for a difficult but necessary topic. The book includes additional support materials, including a glossary, a message to adults, and online resources. With Sometimes Stormy, children can gain the skills and understanding to cope with a situation that is out of their control.

• Offers an age-appropriate explanation of alcohol use disorder
• Models strategies for coping with a stressful home situation
• Teaches children to seek support from a trusted adult
• Explains that adult addiction is not a child’s fault or responsibility to fix
• Contains helpful resources for children and families

Sometimes Stormy is for children from all backgrounds and the adults who support them. It’s an excellent resource for parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and others who need to help children understand that substance use is not their fault and how to find calm and stay safe when the storm surges.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mental Health, Family, Psychology, Ebooks, Addiction

36 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. After losing her father at a young age, Amanda turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became her voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell her story. She was thus inspired to teach art and pursue her passion for writing and illustrating children's books. Through her work, Amanda empowers younger generations to tell their own stories and offers children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her family and rescue pup.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I’m a Grandma this is one of my favorite books of 2025. My Dad was a daily, abusive alcoholic. We were forbidden to talk about it nor was society as open about these things. This book addresses all the issues of being a child with an alcoholic parent. The author did an amazing job in discussing this in a non threatening manner. The illustrations accurately depict what the feels like for a child. Well done, both of you. If your child or a child’s friend has an alcoholic relative, I highly recommend this book.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you so much NetGalley, you’re also a blessing to me. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[estela · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

It was actually a really sweet way to describe this serious topic. This could be a book to have in school, a safe place where the kid gets to talk about their situation at home in case they don’t have a close family member they can seek help from. I like that it focuses on coping mechanisms because that’s the only thing the kid is able to do in order to make the situation better. I hope the book ends up helping little kids understand that what happens to adults is not their fault or responsibility.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thank you to Free Spirit Publishing in connection with SLJ's Picture Book Palooza for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**

This picture book offers some resources for children who are growing up with an alcoholic parent. I liked the art and appreciated that it reassures kids there are adults who will help and it's not their fault. What I didn't love is that some of the suggestions aren't necessarily in their power. Ex. "I stay away from my alcoholic parent" is not always feasible in some households. "Make a playlist" is another one that I could see going badly if the parent is particularly violent. I think the idea is good but I'm worried that some of these will end up antagonizing the parent and causing more issues for the child.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is an amazing book for any child who an alcoholic parent. The book is actually a poem written by the author when she was a young child dealing with this exact situation. Definitely would recommend this book.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so important to have on our shelves to be there for kids who may be in this position as experiences like these aren't always easy to talk about or understand. Here, kids can possibily see themselves in this book and learn it's not their fault.

The stormy-looking art fits the up-and-down emotions of the story.

"Finding Calm and Staying Safe" resources are provided at the end.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis is a powerful and compassionate resource for children ages 5–8 and the adults who love and care for them. Through the eyes of a young boy named Ezra, readers witness what it’s like to live with a parent struggling with alcohol use disorder, which Ezra imagines as a storm that sometimes visits their home. While Ezra hopes he can make the storm disappear, he ultimately learns, with the guidance of caring adults, that he can’t control it, but he can find support, safety, and calm when the storm arrives.

The story is made even more impactful through its beautiful illustrations, which visually capture the swirling emotions and inner turmoil a child might feel when a parent’s behavior changes. These images not only bring Ezra’s experience to life but also give children a way to see and understand feelings that are often too big for words.

This book is such an important piece of work, not just for kids but for parents, teachers, and caregivers as well. Instead of focusing on blame or demonizing the parent, Davis centers the story on the disordered behavior itself, showing that love and goodness can still exist even when that behavior makes it difficult to see. This is especially crucial for young children, who often struggle with conflicted feelings about hating the behavior but loving their parent. Sometimes Stormy gives them the words to express those emotions while also providing vocabulary, resources, and tools to help children and families navigate this difficult topic. It’s an emotional intelligence-building story that I’m deeply grateful exists.

Thank you to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Free Spirit Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Ezra hates when the storm arrives, he hopes it won’t, but it always does. When his dad starts drinking again. Ezra has to find ways to cope through the situation, until the storm finally passes through.

What an important book, addiction is such a big thing in this world, many children will experience something like this with a parent or family member. I really loved the care that was taken into telling this story it was handled really perfectly.

I loved that we saw Ezra’s methods of coping with the storm. From all the different activities he could do during that stormy time. I also really appreciated how the author showed what his dad was like when the storm had passed, it was an important thing to showcase, as these bad moments don’t generally last forever.

I loved the illustrations and seeing everything Ezra did, his games, his activities, what his dad was like. How he managed to pass the time during the dad’s storms. I liked how we saw the storm surrounding them all during those times too.

This book comes with so much information, advice and even places to go to if readers or family of readers are also in this situation themselves. It highlights such a delicate, important, but scary aspect of a lot of young children’s lives and I think this would be a really helpful resource for them, it written so wonderfully and is a great story, but also showcases an important topic.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In medicine we tend to call it alcoholism, but in other disciplines it is known as alcohol use disorder. In this book the attention is given to the many children of those afflicted with alcohol abuse and the symptoms and behaviors present in those who endure this particular storm in their lives. They need to know that adult addiction is not a child’s fault or responsibility to fix and lists several helpful resources including websites for children and their families. The child in the story learns to find his calm place and to stay safe during these active storms in their life. It presents age-appropriate explanations of the problems they face and that they do not mean that the child is not loved.
The illustrations by the author are simple, meaningful, colorful, and clear.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Teacher Created Materials | Free Spirit Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 07, 2025
#SometimesStormy by author/illustrator Amanda Davis @freespiritpublishing @tcmpub
***** #review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley #bookbub #librarything
#Parenting #Families #SelfHelp #parentalbehaviors #addiction #alcoholusedisorder #mentalhealthissues #coping #stressfulhome situation #seeksupport

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It saddens me that a book like this needed to be written for the age group it targets. However, it does—and Sometimes Stormy offers a very accurate depiction of what it’s like to live with an alcoholic parent when you’re a small child. I really appreciated the artwork; it beautifully reflects the emotional swings and unpredictability of the father’s moods.

I also appreciate that the child has support outside of Dad—not having to constantly seek his approval. Beyond the story itself, this book serves as a great resource in several ways. There’s a page of suggestions for what a child can do when a parent is drunk, as well as thoughtful reflection questions that could be discussed with a trusted adult. It even includes a short glossary and contact information for organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, along with other helpful resources for families.

This is definitely a good book to pick up if alcoholism is something your household is struggling with, especially when children are involved—or if you’re trying to understand what it’s like to grow up with an alcoholic parent. It’s short, but that’s appropriate for the intended age group. The resources and practical tips, however, are thorough and thoughtfully presented.

In many ways, I think this is also a book for the non-alcoholic adults in the household—to help them understand what their child might be feeling and to learn how to be a stronger source of support.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly gentle portrayal of a kid's lot when his father turns into an alcoholic. He – and seemingly also his mother – calls it the storm, something that blows in, takes over the father with a reminder "about his favourite thing" and turns him into a raving, stumbling, drooling idiot. But there is definitely love there. The book has a kind of narrative, with a visit to the school counsellor, after which we see the approaches the lad uses to avoid the man in this state – the hobbies and techniques that take him from his worries, just as much as they take him away from the actual drunkard. And I say it's gentle as it's all done with a minimum of drama – yes the storm moves in, and font size changes greatly, but the man isn't ever violent or too bolshy – he becomes maudlin from drink, if anything. So we're assured that the kid here survives all this very well, that there is no threat to him, and that the storm is only a temporary blip spoiling a normal, loving family life.

Many pages at the rear, for young and old, get us to realise we can all be like the child here and step away from the problem until the storm blows over. Many kids, of course, aren't at such liberty, but for many that are this is going to be a welcome representation, so they see a brighter day beyond the whisky fumes. With the storm allegory portrayed well in the artwork – as is the family life at its best – this is a healthy four stars, and potentially an important and most useful purchase.

[Whitney Kellar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy is a tender but difficult book about a boy living in a “sometimes stormy” household where his father struggles with alcohol addiction. It’s an important subject—one that affects so many children—and I appreciate that the book tries to give language and imagery (the storm) to help externalize the problem. Framing addiction as something that “visits” rather than something that is the parent can be a useful entry point for conversation.

The book also offers helpful examples of coping strategies for children—talking with a school counsellor, staying busy with activities, and leaning on loved ones. Those elements could really support kids who feel isolated or confused by their circumstances.

That said, I had a few hesitations. One is the wording that describes alcohol as the father’s “favourite” thing. To me, that risks making a child feel as though a parent is choosing addiction over them, which could deepen their hurt. Another concern is the imagery: the dad is shown stumbling with a bottle and passed out on the couch. While realistic, these depictions might be upsetting for some children and may not be the best choice for a therapeutic tool.

Thank you to NetGalley and Teacher Created Material/Free Spirit Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5/5 stars)

Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis is a heartfelt and visually engaging picture book that helps children understand that emotions—especially the hard, messy, “stormy” ones—are natural and manageable. Davis uses a beautiful weather metaphor to illustrate the ups and downs of feelings, showing young readers that just like storms, emotions pass and calmness returns.

The writing is gentle yet powerful, perfectly tuned for children while still carrying wisdom for adults reading along. The illustrations bring the storm imagery alive with a comforting blend of color and mood, giving children a way to visualize what’s happening inside them. What I especially appreciate is the book’s focus on self-awareness and resilience—it doesn’t shy away from the darker emotions but validates them, making it a valuable resource for both homes and classrooms.

If there’s one small drawback, it’s that the message might feel familiar to adults who have read other emotional literacy books. Still, Amanda’s lyrical writing style and the relatable weather theme make it feel fresh, accessible and very comforting.

A wonderful, empathetic read that reassures children and reminds adults that it’s okay to be “stormy” sometimes—because sunshine always follows.

My NetGalley review

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy: A Story About Finding Calm and Staying Safe When Someone You Love Drinks Too Much by Amanda Davis is a compassionate and powerful resource for helping children navigate the emotional complexities of living with a parent who struggles with alcohol use disorder and depression. Through the eyes of a young boy named Ezra, Davis draws a poignant metaphor—his father’s drinking is like a storm: swirling, unpredictable, and sometimes frightening.

This beautifully illustrated book not only validates children's experiences but also offers practical coping strategies. Most importantly, it reinforces the message that the chaos is not their fault and encourages them to seek safety and support, such as talking to a trusted adult when the “storm” intensifies.

The back matter includes a heartfelt note from the author, sharing her personal connection to the topic, along with valuable resources for children and families facing similar challenges. Davis’ artwork is deeply expressive—warm, glowing tones reflect moments of love and joy, while darker hues capture the emotional turbulence of stormier times.

Amanda Davis has tackled a difficult subject with sensitivity and grace. Sometimes Stormy is a much-needed tool for opening up honest conversations and offering hope to children in vulnerable situations.

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUF: The author masterfully faces head-on a tough, heavy topic most adults avoid. Highly recommend for families of our friends of addicts.

Overall: 4.5🌟
Lesson: 5📍
Illustration: 5 🖌️

Suggested Ages:
Read to/by: 7 & under.
Any older and the overt simplicity would be too much.

Mom's Review:
A great look at a heavy topic from the perspective of a younger child, showing the cyclic nature of addiction, the challenges associated with the understanding level of children, and a few good coping options. (I would have preferred to see a few more). The author also includes some great, additional resources at the end for parents, older children perhaps reading to their younger siblings, etc.

The illustrator's use of color was an excellent touch to contrast the two different (extreme) states of a parent battling addiction.

"A's" Review
(Pending)

"C's" Review
(Pending)

Dad's Review
(Pending)

(Full Traveling Book Family reviews to come!)

A big thank you Amanda Davis, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

All reviews are our own.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book helps young children better understand and emotionally cope with a parent's substance abuse. The story comes from a child's perspective, and it shows how this fictional character deals with the "sometimes stormy" situation at home. The book emphasizes that there are caring adults who can help you, and that a parent's alcohol abuse is not your fault.

However, as other reviewers have noted, it is concerning that the story repeatedly refers to alcohol as the dad's "favorite thing." While this feels authentic to a child's perspective, it's not necessarily language that someone wants to share with a child in a mostly informational book. It de-emphasizes the role of addiction, and it makes it sound like the parent is choosing alcohol over the child because they love alcohol more. That sadly can be the case in some situations, but I wish that this book had better represented how addiction drives people to keep consuming something that is hurting them and others, regardless of their truest desires and priorities.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Gloria Amescua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing story shows a young boy dealing with a sometimes storm of his dad’s reactions to alcohol addiction and depression. When his dad is his normal self, they are all happy and calm, but the storm always comes. The unpredictability of when his dad will yell or act mean, or just not interact is confusing and worrisome. So many children live in these situations, whether it’s an alcohol or drug addiction, or a mental disorder like depression that this book in simple terms not only shows the fears they face but also how children can cope by staying away, reading, listening to music, drawing, snuggling with a pet, talking with an adult, etc. The dark periods are awash in dark blues and purples in contrast to the sunny warm tones of the calm, loving times. The end notes describe coping strategies, questions to ask an adult or think about, words to know, a note for adults, and resources. This is a must have for every library and for so many families. I highly recommend. Brava, Amanda Davis, for writing this book about a difficult subject in such a touching way!

[Leeanne Stronach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis reassures the reader that it's not their fault for the adult's alcohol use disorder and that they are not alone when the "sometimes storm" comes to visit their parent. The story shows the boy, Ezra, using several coping mechanisms during this confusing and unpredictable time. Ezra also seeks out other caring adults for comfort and recognizes that it's not his job to make his father's alcohol use disorder go away. Although his father's behavior can be troublesome for him, Ezra understands that his father loves him. The illustrations provided authenticly capture the emotions of each situation in the story perfectly. Having a relatable understanding of the subject matter, Ms. Davis provides many resources for readers, families, teachers, and mental health providers to guide them on how to stay safe when their loved one is living with alcohol use disorder.

[cinnamilk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis is a heartbreaking yet all too real glimpse into the mind of the child of an alcoholic. No matter how much it ebbs and flows, the 'storm' of alcoholism always seems to come back to cloud over Ezra's father. Luckily, Ezra has a very helpful school counselor to reassure him that none of it is his fault, as well as give him helpful ways to weather the storm; we see him use many strategies, such as drawing or listening to music, or even calling his grandmother. And, of course, his mother is always there for him as well!


Overall, I would say this is a good book for children who deal with those struggling with alcoholism, as it may reassure them that they're not the only ones going through this. It also comes with a lot of coping skills, as a few pages in the back give advice on staying calm and safe when a loved one drinks too much! It also lists a few helpful resources.

[AskesianLibrarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there is much to love about this story, but I found it really problematic that alcohol is referred to as the father's "favorite thing." I know this is an attempt to simplify substance use disorder for young readers, but it suggests that drinking is simply a choice that the father is making because he likes it - and that he likes it even more than his family. It completely fails to convey the critical message that substance use disorder is a disease, that the adult is addicted to the substance, and that this is what prevents them from prioritizing what they REALLY care most about (like the child). While I love the storm metaphor and the modeling of healthy coping strategies, I unfortunately will not be sharing this book with the children I serve as a child advocate due to this repeated problematic message.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Julie Winterbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. With compassion and sensitivity, author-illustrator Amanda Davis describes what it’s like for a child to live with a parent who struggles with alcoholism. Her use of the metaphor of a storm perfectly captures how a boy’s father seems to become another person when alcohol takes over. She doesn’t shy away from how scary it can be or from the fact that even when life is sunny and calm again, the storm will eventually return. But she also makes clear that the struggling parent never stops loving the child and that the storms are not the child’s fault. With beautiful illustrations that reflect the return to happy, calm times with a change in palette, this book gives concrete ideas for how a child can cope, by doing activities that allow the release of feelings or finding a calm place away from the storm. Highly recommended for families who are dealing with substance abuse or know others who are. With excellent back matter and resource list.

[Bonni.Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy uses the metaphor of a storm to depict a child's experience of having a parent with an alcohol disorder. It is the perfect picture book to use as a mirror to help articulate the impact on children living with a family member that has this or a similar disease. It works just as well as a window to help children better understand friends or family that live with drug or alcohol addiction. The book doesn't shy away from the pain and fear Ezra lives with, but it offers multiple coping tools that children can use when the storm is present. This is a sensitive and affirming depiction. The color palette of the illustrations stays true to the child's emotions. Resources and discussion questions are included in the back of the book. I hope every school and public library has copies of this book.

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Sometimes Stormy' is a poignant and thoughtful book that will help children dealing with caregiver substance abuse in their home feel seen in their experiences. Such realities can be difficult to discuss, but this important book will give children both language to help them make sense of their experiences and tools to help them in the midst of the storms that arrive. Robust back matter provides further resources. This book is not just for families who feel the impact of substance abuse. It is also a necessary addition to libraries, classrooms, community centers, etc. Ultimately, Davis has created a story of empowerment through comforting prose and caring illustrations that help children feel less alone.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, living with a family member with an alcohol use disorder is not a rare childhood experience. So few books deal with this topic so this is a welcome child-focused addition for both children and their caregivers to read and find support. It's sensitively done, with advice and strategies for loved ones, and a lens into how difficult it is when someone you love can be two very different people. Like The Big Bad Wolf in My House, it beautifully tackles a very difficult reality that many kids live. Questions may come up about why a child would keep living with a person who scares them, but the book provides a great conversation starter about that reality, where many kids don't have a range of options open to them, and the person who scares them is also someone they dearly love.

[Lanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes Stormy is about Ezra, a young boy who is facing a parent with an addiction. This book features a heavy reality for many children. The beautiful, contrasting pictures capture the emotions and are beneficial for this young age group.
One issue stayed on my mind while reading- the variety of different situations these children are in. In the perfect world, the parent would be battling this addiction, and this book would help a young child understand. This book is framed in a way where yes, storms are scary, but it's okay, because this is my dad, and every situation is not okay. I think featuring more support from the school counselor or the mother could have helped this story feel a little safer. I would recommend this story with a mindful heart over a particular situation.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compassionate and informative book that allows children to explore the many questions and emotions that come with having a parent who struggles with addiction. Ezra, our book's kiddo, knows that sometimes a storm comes and suddenly his dad is different: he yells, he stumbles, he sleeps too much. Ezra knows it's because of his dad's 'favorite thing': alcohol. Thankfully, Ezra *also* knows that it's not his fault and that there are positive, peaceful things he can do on his own until the storm passes.

This is a tender but truthful look at addiction from a child's eyes, and it's full of great advice and useful resources. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be THE book to help a child get through the storm of parental addiction raging in their lives. In a gentle way, it provides support and guidance for children facing the two versions of someone they love. With a great heart, the author writes from lived experience as the child of a parent with addiction and shares this in an author's notes. While this book focuses on alcohol addiction in the illustrations, it would still work very well for other substance abuse. Back matter defines related words like alcoholism, mental illness, and others and includes ideas for ways children can cope with bouts of erratic behavior from their loved ones. Perfect for counselors and families seeking guidance during these difficult times.

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a child’s father drinks to excess, he becomes what the boy sees as a storm in the home, a storm that comes and goes and which changes who his dad usually is. Through this metaphorical look at alcohol use disorder from a child’s eyes, author/illustrator Amanda Davis shows how this disease affects children, what they can do when it happens and afterwards, and who they can seek out for support and comfort. Text is gentle and loving, while the illustrations support it nicely (for instance, during stormy times at home, dark colors and scratchy swirls are used, while during calm periods, bright colors shine forth). Important back matter includes helpful tips for children experiencing similar situations, resources, a glossary of words, and a note to parents.

[LJ Todaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and illustrator Amanda Davis uses the metaphor of a storm to describe the unpredictability and confusion visited upon a child whose father struggles with alcohol addiction. With compassion and realism, Davis’s story addresses the child’s fear that it's his fault while also suggesting ways to escape the storm. Although the disease is out of the son’s control, how he responds to it is not: he can talk to a trusted friend or adult, he can create art, or read a book. Mostly, he learns it’s not his fault, and that his father loves him whether the storm rages or not. Davis’s heartfelt story comes with practical resources that just might throw a lifeline to a child in a similar situation. An empowering and important book.

[Hà Dinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important story told and illustrated with so much love, sensitivity, and care. Based on the author's childhood experience, this story shares the realities of children who live in households where alcoholism is part of their everyday life. The gentle watercolor illustrations and tender storytelling help children navigate through complex and complicated emotions and remind them that this predicament is not theirs to fix or own. The story also acknowledges their children's worries, feelings, and anxieties while giving them healthy and meaningful activities to engage in during troubled times at home.

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a challenging topic to cover in a picture book and Amanda has done an incredible job! Her comparison to a storm that arrives unexpectedly is the perfect metaphor to help a child understand a parent battling alcoholism and addition. Her illustration and colour palette choices help depict the feelings experienced in the family. It's a book that doesn't gloss over the addiction or make it seem too easy to cope with and somehow, she still leaves readers hopeful at the end and most importantly, knowing they are loved. The resources at the end of the book are helpful for the adults in the child's life as well.