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Elephant Wind: A Tornado Safety Book
2018 Silver Medal Readers' Favorite Children's Social Issues
Mom's Choice Award - Silver Recipient
Lily and Niko Rabbit's childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor's house, they come together to help in their own charming way.
Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornados in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.
Mom's Choice Award - Silver Recipient
Lily and Niko Rabbit's childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor's house, they come together to help in their own charming way.
Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornados in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.
24 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2017
11 people want to read
About the author
Heather L. Beal
5 books10 followersHeather is an award winning author raised to give 100% to every endeavor. Since her earliest experiences in Girl Scouts, numerous volunteer events and organizations, she has always sought to make a difference. After graduating college, she served our country with 23 years of distinguished Naval service. Dedicated to self-improvement, she obtained masters degrees in Asian studies, conflict resolution, cyber security policy and emergency management while on active duty. She is qualified as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with the International Association of Emergency Mangers and earned a PhD in Emergency Management with a special study focus on childcare recovery.
As a working parent of two, she became aware of just how much of a gap existed in emergency preparedness and recovery training and resources for childcare providers and vowed to use her experiences, education, and more importantly, motivation, to help improve current limitations. In addition to publishing books to help teach children about what to do in case of disaster, she has also created a nonprofit, BLOCKS. BLOCKS' mission is to help prepare childcare for disaster. You can learn more about her nonprofit efforts at www.blocksusa.org. Please see www.train4safety.com to learn more about other books available to help prepare your little ones for disaster or to suggest areas we should focus on. Thank you for your support and enjoy the book!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 19, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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So the day care is having a field trip to a science fair and the local tornado siren goes off, the teacher rushes the kids to the shelter and then starts answering questions for the frightened kids. She calms them, tells them what's going on and how they (and their parents) can stay safe in the middle of a tornado. It's a great way to respond to a time like this and a great way to lure in the readers so they will absorb the same lessons.
Now, I'm not convinced that you're going to get kids living in an area that has the tornado shelters and sirens, etc. that are that old and not have some clue about what's going on (sure, maybe a couple of people who've just moved into the area, but not that many) -- but this book isn't trying to go for accuracy, it's trying to teach something. Like, say, about tornado shelters and sirens to kids so they know what they are before being taken to a shelter by their day care teacher. Basically, sure, it's a plot problem, but this book doesn't care about things like that.
Storywise, it's just different enough from Tummy Rumble Quake (well, this was actually published first, I guess, but I read them in this order. Still, technically, Tummy Rumble Quake is just different enough from this), which is a pretty tricky thing to pull off, but will keep some kids from tuning out -- it's not just a case of "here we go again." The ways to stay safe are clear, and will help minimize the fearfulness of the situation.
Again, on behalf of parents with little musical ability, some tips on how to sing this mnemonic song (a tune suggestion, perhaps), would be very helpful and welcome. The inclusion of the song is a great idea.
Sager's art did the job -- good use of colors and details, without overwhelming the reader and distracting them from the text. The tornado-elephant mashup pictures were an inspired choice -- one suggested by the text, no doubt, but the execution was spot-on.
A wonderful idea and I'm pretty sure a great help for those in areas where this is a lesson to be taught. I'd encourage parents and others to grab this one, too.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.
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So the day care is having a field trip to a science fair and the local tornado siren goes off, the teacher rushes the kids to the shelter and then starts answering questions for the frightened kids. She calms them, tells them what's going on and how they (and their parents) can stay safe in the middle of a tornado. It's a great way to respond to a time like this and a great way to lure in the readers so they will absorb the same lessons.
Now, I'm not convinced that you're going to get kids living in an area that has the tornado shelters and sirens, etc. that are that old and not have some clue about what's going on (sure, maybe a couple of people who've just moved into the area, but not that many) -- but this book isn't trying to go for accuracy, it's trying to teach something. Like, say, about tornado shelters and sirens to kids so they know what they are before being taken to a shelter by their day care teacher. Basically, sure, it's a plot problem, but this book doesn't care about things like that.
Storywise, it's just different enough from Tummy Rumble Quake (well, this was actually published first, I guess, but I read them in this order. Still, technically, Tummy Rumble Quake is just different enough from this), which is a pretty tricky thing to pull off, but will keep some kids from tuning out -- it's not just a case of "here we go again." The ways to stay safe are clear, and will help minimize the fearfulness of the situation.
Again, on behalf of parents with little musical ability, some tips on how to sing this mnemonic song (a tune suggestion, perhaps), would be very helpful and welcome. The inclusion of the song is a great idea.
Sager's art did the job -- good use of colors and details, without overwhelming the reader and distracting them from the text. The tornado-elephant mashup pictures were an inspired choice -- one suggested by the text, no doubt, but the execution was spot-on.
A wonderful idea and I'm pretty sure a great help for those in areas where this is a lesson to be taught. I'd encourage parents and others to grab this one, too.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion.
May 3, 2018
I really like what the Author did with the tornado shaping it like an elephant was a smart choice. Adds an element to make it easier to remember. Like the Author’s previous book I reviewed, the questions/activities it a nice touch at the end of the book. Again another element to make it easier for children to remember what to do. The illustrations needed a little work, the characters stood out a bit too sharply compared to the backgrounds. I just like how the Author is trying to teach really important topics. Topics that can lead to really serious injuries if you don’t know what to do. I also think the books both teach the children and the adult that may or may not be reading it to them.
May 31, 2017
A group of young children, accompanied by their teacher, visit a science fair. While they are at the fair they experience a tornado warning. The teacher, Ms. Mandy, uses the warning as a teachable moment.
The children learn the definition of the word tornado. Ms. Mandy likens it to ... "an elephant trunk reaching down from the sky to the ground," hence the title.
I like the short song the children sing in order to remember the safety rule of getting to a basement or below ground. The illustrations are appropriate for this age group. They are colourful, and the children and their teacher are depicted as different animals. The book ends with questions for the reader.
The children learn the definition of the word tornado. Ms. Mandy likens it to ... "an elephant trunk reaching down from the sky to the ground," hence the title.
I like the short song the children sing in order to remember the safety rule of getting to a basement or below ground. The illustrations are appropriate for this age group. They are colourful, and the children and their teacher are depicted as different animals. The book ends with questions for the reader.
June 19, 2017
This is a children’s book with the very specific intent of educating young kids about Tornadoes. You don’t need to be from a part of the world with Tornado activity to understand how frightening it must be for children. You also can imagine how difficult it would be as a parent trying to explain them. We parents are always trying to find that middle ground between protecting young children from information that will frighten them and preparing them for the real world.
Thankfully, Heather Beal has fallen on the side of providing real information, not sugar coating it. The most important moment in the book is this simple question: “Can Tornadoes hurt us?” The answer to that question is yes, it can. The teacher in the book responds “ Yes, tornadoes could hurt us”. The language of this moment is surrounded by softening statements assuring the children that they’re safe and that grown-ups have put protections in place to make sure they have a solution to everything. The important thing is to remember to hear and respond to the siren.
So the book successfully succeeds at it’s goal. It’s important to have authors like Heather getting information out that can help kids confront their fears and be properly informed. I do like the idea of the book and I’m glad Heather created it.
I feel strongly however that this story deserved better illustrations. The illustrations by Jubayna Sagor start with a pretty compelling cover. The image of the elephant, it’s trunk and the obvious shape association we’re making is quite nice. Strong marks and a good use of tone made me feel that this would be a visual project as well as an educational one.
The interior pages are much more disappointing. The first thing that needs questioning is the use of animal faces on the characters. We all have lived through a tradition of animal characters in our picture books. Richard Scarry comes to mind. Bedtime for Francis. Even Dr. Seuss uses creatures of some sort, although undefined. But these books make a conscious effort to use the animal images for a reason. The illustrations drove the story telling. Animal characters are used to create fantasy in storybooks that are fun and light hearted. This is about telling kids to be careful during natural disasters.
These characters are all stock illustrations pulled from some sort of clip art package. Each face/head is a complete carbon copy of the last one used, completely disregarding the role facial expressions take in a story that is largely about fear, concern & guidance. There is so much going on in the minds of both he teacher and the children. Did the illustrator just think that didn’t matter? Was it just a technical limitation or the illustrator didn’t want to make and effort? Even the illustration on page 15 where the child is asking the teacher for assurances and the teacher tells the child that Tornados an hurt her, she still has this broad “bugs bunny” smile.
It’s clear that a big portion of the book takes place in a basement. That’s a challenge for any illustrator, but challenges are great opportunities for artists to find ways to keep it interesting. The teacher could be drawing on the wall with chalk to make her point. There could be closeups of the kids facial expressions or angles other than the single view of the wall.
Overall I’m glad this book was made because it’s important for children, but it is only as useful as it is engaging. Anyone who knows picture books knows that illustrations are your best tool for getting the kids engaged and focused. Hopefully there will be a second publication of this nice book with adequate artwork.
Thankfully, Heather Beal has fallen on the side of providing real information, not sugar coating it. The most important moment in the book is this simple question: “Can Tornadoes hurt us?” The answer to that question is yes, it can. The teacher in the book responds “ Yes, tornadoes could hurt us”. The language of this moment is surrounded by softening statements assuring the children that they’re safe and that grown-ups have put protections in place to make sure they have a solution to everything. The important thing is to remember to hear and respond to the siren.
So the book successfully succeeds at it’s goal. It’s important to have authors like Heather getting information out that can help kids confront their fears and be properly informed. I do like the idea of the book and I’m glad Heather created it.
I feel strongly however that this story deserved better illustrations. The illustrations by Jubayna Sagor start with a pretty compelling cover. The image of the elephant, it’s trunk and the obvious shape association we’re making is quite nice. Strong marks and a good use of tone made me feel that this would be a visual project as well as an educational one.
The interior pages are much more disappointing. The first thing that needs questioning is the use of animal faces on the characters. We all have lived through a tradition of animal characters in our picture books. Richard Scarry comes to mind. Bedtime for Francis. Even Dr. Seuss uses creatures of some sort, although undefined. But these books make a conscious effort to use the animal images for a reason. The illustrations drove the story telling. Animal characters are used to create fantasy in storybooks that are fun and light hearted. This is about telling kids to be careful during natural disasters.
These characters are all stock illustrations pulled from some sort of clip art package. Each face/head is a complete carbon copy of the last one used, completely disregarding the role facial expressions take in a story that is largely about fear, concern & guidance. There is so much going on in the minds of both he teacher and the children. Did the illustrator just think that didn’t matter? Was it just a technical limitation or the illustrator didn’t want to make and effort? Even the illustration on page 15 where the child is asking the teacher for assurances and the teacher tells the child that Tornados an hurt her, she still has this broad “bugs bunny” smile.
It’s clear that a big portion of the book takes place in a basement. That’s a challenge for any illustrator, but challenges are great opportunities for artists to find ways to keep it interesting. The teacher could be drawing on the wall with chalk to make her point. There could be closeups of the kids facial expressions or angles other than the single view of the wall.
Overall I’m glad this book was made because it’s important for children, but it is only as useful as it is engaging. Anyone who knows picture books knows that illustrations are your best tool for getting the kids engaged and focused. Hopefully there will be a second publication of this nice book with adequate artwork.
December 23, 2017
Author Heather L. Beal delights parents and children alike with her education and fun read, Elephant Wind. Here's the synopsis:
Lily and Niko Rabbit's childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor's house, they come together to help in their own charming way.
Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornadoes in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.
The beautiful artwork combined with the educational look at the dangers of tornadoes blend perfectly in this quick read. Parents will love the fun way the book teaches children about the natural disaster, utilizing an elephant to showcase what a tornado does. I also enjoyed seeing the students banding together to help those in need, giving children a lesson not only in how to handle a dangerous situation, but in helping their fellow man. The writing was fantastic, illustrating both literally and figuratively the life lessons children need in order to be prepared, and educating them for the future.
Overall this was a great children's book! A quick paced yet well developed story filled with educational moments parents and children alike will love, this is a must read for any parent out there for their children, and it's clear that the author has a firm command of this genre. If you haven't yet be sure to pick up your copies of Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal today!
Lily and Niko Rabbit's childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor's house, they come together to help in their own charming way.
Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornadoes in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.
The beautiful artwork combined with the educational look at the dangers of tornadoes blend perfectly in this quick read. Parents will love the fun way the book teaches children about the natural disaster, utilizing an elephant to showcase what a tornado does. I also enjoyed seeing the students banding together to help those in need, giving children a lesson not only in how to handle a dangerous situation, but in helping their fellow man. The writing was fantastic, illustrating both literally and figuratively the life lessons children need in order to be prepared, and educating them for the future.
Overall this was a great children's book! A quick paced yet well developed story filled with educational moments parents and children alike will love, this is a must read for any parent out there for their children, and it's clear that the author has a firm command of this genre. If you haven't yet be sure to pick up your copies of Elephant Wind by Heather L. Beal today!
December 7, 2017
Today We Did
Lily and Niko Rabbit are visiting a science fair with their childcare class when the tornado siren sounds. Their teacher gets them safely into the basement and explains to the children what a tornado is, and how to stay safe during one.
Elephant Wind explains tornado safety in simple terms that children can understand. It covers what a tornado looks and sounds like, and where it is safest to take cover. There is even a little song to help the kids remember what they need to do. Overall, it is quite informative and would be useful in school and childcare settings to prepare children for such adverse weather.
I dislike the style of illustrations in this book. While they are quite detailed, they are not appealing to me at all. It’s hard to explain why, but they just feel wrong to me. I don’t like the smirking fox child, or the stumpy arms on Dylan, or the way the teacher’s feet are aligned, so maybe it’s just about proportions, but the childrens’ facial expressions don’t change to suit the story either; even when Lily is scared, she’s still got a huge smile plastered on her face. It’s just not suitable, and I think the pictures let the book down.
Elephant Wind is most suitable for reading to pre-schoolers and lower primary school children.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
Lily and Niko Rabbit are visiting a science fair with their childcare class when the tornado siren sounds. Their teacher gets them safely into the basement and explains to the children what a tornado is, and how to stay safe during one.
Elephant Wind explains tornado safety in simple terms that children can understand. It covers what a tornado looks and sounds like, and where it is safest to take cover. There is even a little song to help the kids remember what they need to do. Overall, it is quite informative and would be useful in school and childcare settings to prepare children for such adverse weather.
I dislike the style of illustrations in this book. While they are quite detailed, they are not appealing to me at all. It’s hard to explain why, but they just feel wrong to me. I don’t like the smirking fox child, or the stumpy arms on Dylan, or the way the teacher’s feet are aligned, so maybe it’s just about proportions, but the childrens’ facial expressions don’t change to suit the story either; even when Lily is scared, she’s still got a huge smile plastered on her face. It’s just not suitable, and I think the pictures let the book down.
Elephant Wind is most suitable for reading to pre-schoolers and lower primary school children.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
June 5, 2017
Elephant Wind is a book about safety during a tornado. It is written to reassure and inform young children of what to do when a tornado warning sounds.
The book features a class of children that are illustrated as various animals in much the same style as Warner Bros. earlier cartoons. The teacher seems a little odd, basically a completely human body with an owl head. But children will like the characters with their big eyes and happy smiles.
The story begins with the students attending a science fair. When a siren sounds, the owl teacher takes the children into the basement. She explains that a tornado is a funnel shaped cloud and compares it to an elephant trunk. She explains to the students where they should go whenever there is a tornado warning.
When the story ends, the children are told that the neighbor’s house was damaged. In response, the children decide to make them a card so they won’t be sad. Then one child suggests they bake cookies or cupcakes as well.
This is a reassuring book for children who live in tornado areas. It also encourages children to do something to help within their capabilities when there is a disaster.
I was given an e-book copy of this book for review.
The book features a class of children that are illustrated as various animals in much the same style as Warner Bros. earlier cartoons. The teacher seems a little odd, basically a completely human body with an owl head. But children will like the characters with their big eyes and happy smiles.
The story begins with the students attending a science fair. When a siren sounds, the owl teacher takes the children into the basement. She explains that a tornado is a funnel shaped cloud and compares it to an elephant trunk. She explains to the students where they should go whenever there is a tornado warning.
When the story ends, the children are told that the neighbor’s house was damaged. In response, the children decide to make them a card so they won’t be sad. Then one child suggests they bake cookies or cupcakes as well.
This is a reassuring book for children who live in tornado areas. It also encourages children to do something to help within their capabilities when there is a disaster.
I was given an e-book copy of this book for review.
January 10, 2018
Elephant Wind is an educational story about a teacher and her school kids. The students ask Ms. Mandy questions, and she responds back allowing the reader to learn as they participate in the back and forth dialogue.
When a tornado siren happens, the kids are directed towards the basement, and then questions begin to sparkle between the children on what it is all about. The content discusses what a tornado warning is and what should they do when they hear one. It also allows children to know what not to do in such an event, for example going near windows or doors.
The illustrations are not drawn and look computerized. The color combinations were nice, and it created interest for the potential child. I particularly liked the way the story went in order to teach the basics of an environmental attack.
There aren’t many books out there that allow children know the seriousness of what the impact of a natural disaster is. The literature was suitable for the age of its audience, and I believe any parent looking for an educational book for their child would benefit from purchasing this one.
When a tornado siren happens, the kids are directed towards the basement, and then questions begin to sparkle between the children on what it is all about. The content discusses what a tornado warning is and what should they do when they hear one. It also allows children to know what not to do in such an event, for example going near windows or doors.
The illustrations are not drawn and look computerized. The color combinations were nice, and it created interest for the potential child. I particularly liked the way the story went in order to teach the basics of an environmental attack.
There aren’t many books out there that allow children know the seriousness of what the impact of a natural disaster is. The literature was suitable for the age of its audience, and I believe any parent looking for an educational book for their child would benefit from purchasing this one.
January 12, 2018
Elephant Wind is a deceptively simple story with deep meaning. The author has captured the essence of the warning in a gentle, caring way that does not create fear in the child’s mind. It would be wonderful for children to have exposure to the story before experiencing the reality of a tornado. A tornado would have to be one of the most frightening experiences a child could ever have, and an unprepared child would most likely suffer consequences for many years. Being forewarned is being forearmed. That alone prevents the trauma from having an unknown element about it. It is often the unknown that creates great fear in the mind. Young children can participate in drills, but often they are unaware of the bigger picture. Elephant Wind speaks their language and makes the message memorable in a way that’s easy for them to remember.
Well done Heather L. Beal!
Well done Heather L. Beal!
June 21, 2017
We enjoyed this cute and informative story about tornado safety. The animal characters helped with making it inclusive for a variety of children, and contributed to making it engaging for the reader. This book is particularly valuable as an introduction to tornado safety for kids in areas prone to tornadoes, such as "Tornado Alley" in the Midwest and other states, like Florida. There's a short song included in the book that helps kids remember what to do when they hear a tornado warning, plus questions and activities at the end to further a child's engagement. Give this one a shot if you are a parent or teacher in an area where tornadoes might strike, or if you've got a child who's afraid of storms.
June 24, 2017
I don’t live in a tornado-prone area, so I had never heard of a tornado looking like an elephant, although it makes perfect sense. This book helps kids to imagine what they would do if a tornado alarm goes off to signal an impending tornado. The teacher calmly answers the students’ questions, so the kids remain calm as well. They ask practical questions like what to do if someone is in a car, or if there is no basement nearby – questions I had been wondering about, too. The questions and activities at the end help to reinforce the safety advice, so I would imagine it’s a great starting-off point for discussing an evacuation plan at home or school.
October 6, 2020
This book is a great way to introduce safety rules in the classroom and school. It introduces information about tornadoes in a friendly way, but still states the facts and important things students should be aware of. It is very informative and has really nice illustrations. This book is recommended for students that age from 3-8.
December 8, 2017
I am conflicted about this book. I love the storyline and message but the illustrations were okay. Review to come.
June 17, 2018
What does a tornado look like? How does it sound? What causes a tornado? What should you do if you're in the midst of a tornado? Elephant Wind (Mom's Choice Award Winner) by Heather L Beal is an illustrated children's book that has all of the answers. Lily, Niko, and their childcare class had an opportunity to experience their first science fair. They were having so much fun until a tornado warning sounded. As their teacher, Ms. Mandy, escorted the children downstairs to the tornado shelter, they began to get curious about the tornado. There were so many questions that the children asked about the various aspects of the tornado. In this book, young readers will learn about the world of tornadoes. This book is educational and will help to enhance your child’s learning. Read more https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi... Elephant Wind: A Tornado Safety Book
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