When the Storm Comes

by Linda Ashman, Taeeun Yoo (Illustrator)

A storm and its sunny aftermath come to life through gorgeous art and lyrical text.

What do you do when the clouds roll in,
When the wind chimes clang and the weather vanes spin?

When stormy skies threaten, people stock up on supplies, bring in their outside toys, and check the news for updates. And during the storm, if the power goes out, they can play games and tell stories by candlelight. But what do animals do? They watch and listen, look for a cozy den or some other sheltered spot, and hunker down to wait. After the storm, while the people are cleaning up their yards, making repairs, and checking on the neighbors, the animals emerge from their hiding places and shake off the rain. And everyone is happy to be out in the sunshine again, grateful for better weather and the company of friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Animals, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2020

About the author

Linda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books . Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rhymed exploration of how various living beings respond to an impending storm. The story begins and ends with humans, but along the way a range of Earth's air, land and water creatures react to their awareness of threatening weather in a variety of ways. In the process storms of varying degrees are revealed and safety is sought. There is reassurance amid the informative sequence, with the final spreads bringing human and some non-human characters together to recover, repair, and reunite in a neighborhood that had weathered the storm.
Pair this book with another rhymed storm story that explores human and nature's response to storms, WAITING OUT THE STORM by JoAnn Early Macken (2010)

[Shaye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be weird in the fact that I love storms. When the winds begin to blow and the sky darkens, I get excited when all my chickies (and sometimes their friends) run home to safety. Maybe we'll start the fire or bake something or play some games or make some popcorn and watch a movie (if the electricity is still working). In any case, this entire picture books is about preparing for an impending storm, the things we do while we wait out the storm, and then the community clean-up efforts afterward. The soft, comforting illustrations for this book were created using digital and pencil drawings.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Abby Johnson]

In sweet rhyming text, Linda Ashman explores what animals and people do to prepare and weather a storm. This is a perfect book for sharing during thunderstorm season!

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely be using this book for the 2nd grade Extreme Weather unit.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a storm approaches? What do people do? What do animals do? What about during a storm? And after? When the Storm Comes explores these ideas.

[Cristina Quattrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for reinforcing the elements of poetry or a post-Hurricane read aloud

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo, PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin Random House), 2020. $18. 9780399546099

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A storm is coming, and what do we do? We prepare by checking supplies and getting ready, we find a safe place, we bring things inside and we wait and watch. So do the animals. They find a safe place to wait out the storm, too. When it's over, everyone helps clean up.

I was expecting this to be a metaphor about "weathering a storm" it's not - it's about preparing for and riding out and repairing from an actual storm. I loved how no one was afraid, I liked the parallel with the animals. Also, Taeeun Yoo's illustrations are great. The animals are darling and I love the pictures of them safe in their dens. The text is very cute rhymes, a perfect read aloud (especially before a storm).

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A storm is coming, and what do we do? We prepare by checking supplies and getting ready, we find a safe place, we bring things inside and we wait and watch. So do the animals. They find a safe place to wait out the storm, too. When it's over, everyone helps clean up.

I was expecting this to be a metaphor about "weathering a storm" it's not - it's about preparing for and riding out and repairing from an actual storm. I loved how no one was afraid, I liked the parallel with the animals. Also, Taeeun Yoo's illustrations are great. The animals are darling and I love the pictures of them safe in their dens. The text is very cute rhymes, a perfect read aloud (especially before a storm).

For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when a big storm comes? This book looks dually at human and wildlife preparations to weather a big storm in a coastal village. Short rhyming verses calmly show residents counting supplies, gathering candles, and gathering in various homes, dens, nests, hives, and more. Although the storm is dramatic, there's never a sense of fear or panic. And when the storm is over, neighbors gather to help clean up and repair what's broken before sharing refreshments and enjoying the sunshine.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a rhymed text we have a story of what the humans and animals notice about their surroundings as a storm approaches, what they do to prepare, as well as what occurs after the storm passes. I liked that it is both the humans and animals and the subtle statement that living beings survive storms.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

We recieved this book from the Imagination Library. This was a very heartwarming and comforting story teaching little ones about what happens when the storms come. It has amazing illustrations that show children in a friendly way what people and animals can do when getting ready for a storm. The wonderful writing is fun and comforting. I loved how it shows the family huddled together by candlelight playing games and waiting for the storms to end. I highly recommend this story for moms and teachers.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just arrived today through Dolly Parton's Imagination Station and my kids really enjoyed it! The fun and lyrical prose and engaging illustrations really came together to make a compelling book. It showed how both animals and humans prepare for hurricanes and then how they come out and together after it has passed. It was also fun to note the difference of things we may do in a storm in the Midwest versus in a coastal area. A great book on both preparedness and community that is appropriate (encouraging, rather than scary) for young children.

[Connie T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rhyming picture book describes how both people and a variety of animals prepare for - and wait out - a coming storm. The people are a mix of skin tones and ages. Without being heavy handed, it talks about prepping for the storm, playing games when the power goes out, and joining together to clean up and celebrate the storm's passing. I think this would be a good book to help young children discuss their fear of thunderstorms.

[Laura DeGrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job in rhyme and reason.
Enjoyed the skilled artist's depictions of stormy weather and it's aftermath.
A realistic tale about experiencing strong winds.
To seek shelter would be the best advice for all to know.
I liked the mention of counting supplies due to the turn of events when weather goes haywire.
Also, the ending ideal concept of the community being pulled together to help one another was beautiful.

[Carmen Furillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because of the compare and contrast between humans and animals. It compares how animals react when a big storm is coming in and how humans react when a big storm is coming in. I also think this book is great because students can think about what they do when a storm comes and what they do personally when they are in a storm with their family.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different people and animals describe what they do as a storm approaches.

Set along the coast, this book follows different people, animals, and boats as they prepare for an incoming storm and then clean up afterwards.

Disclosure: Dolly Parton was kind enough to send our family this book through her Imagination Library Foundation.

[Erica Eberhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3 year old is terrified of storms after last summer. This spring, we are off to another stormy start and I picked up this book with hopes it will help him understand what’s going on a bit more. While that is yet to be seen, he enjoys the story and has requested it repeatedly. Perfect for people who have littles and face thunderstorms or hurricanes.

[Katherinesmail1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades: Preschool-2
Genre: Fiction

This is one of those books when I wish Goodreads allowed us to give .5 stars. This book is ALMOST a 4 star, but not quite. It's a sweet poetic text that takes kids into a storm. I think it's a great read for younger children who may still get scared when it's going to storm outside. "When the Sorm Comes" is playful and fun and worth a read.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, rhyming picture book showing what people and animals do to prepare for a storm and then after it passes. Families are diverse in skin tone, wonderful illustrations by Taeeun Yoo are done digitally and with pencil. Target age: PK-grade 2.

Thanks for sending this book to our family, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

[Brittney Cayford]

This is a great book to explain storm weather and changes. I read this to my preschoolers the day we had the wind storm that explained why we were experiencing the weather we were on that day. This book gave great visuals that helped process why this was occurring. I really liked this book as it gave a simple understanding for children to process about weather changes.

[Juushika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cozy, a little dark, and diversely community- and family-focused. All good things! But nothing that sticks with me as an adult reader of picture books, and the jewel-toned cool greens and deep blues could not be more repulsive to me aesthetically, which is a personal problem but still stops me from appreciating this.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows both what people and animals do when a storm is on its way-- preparing to hunker down and stay cozy until it passes. I particularly love the critters in their homes! Accompanied by some very snappy rhyming, this is a great book for a read-aloud.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 Stars. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. The story has a nice flow and rhyme. This is a good story for a rainy day or even for those who might be scared of storms. It might help littles realize that storms pass and the sun will shine again.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when a storm is on the way? This simple, rhyming text shows how both people and some animals prepare for a storm. How they help each other get ready and then wait. I like that they used "hunker down". And, of course, the storm eventually passes. And everyone helps to clean up.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice look at how both animals and humans prepare for, endure, and recover from a storm. The illustrations are soft but colorful, and the entire story is pretty matter-of-fact and cheerful. There is a neighborly vibe that I truly appreciate.

[michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book to help prepare little ones for big storms. It talks about what we do as humans as well as what animals do in the wild to prepare for storms. The best way to help conquer is fear is by education and this book does just that.

[Kelly]

I like how it shows different creatures prepping for the storm from a whale to birds and bunnies. It's very cute but also informative and ends with a great party for all the neighbors once the rain has cleared.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book to use for a lesson with students! Storms will be here in the spring, and it is a great book to introduce what animals and humans need to do when the storms arrive. Good illustrations, simple text! Overall, a good book!

[Jenna Daucunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book, it not only has beautiful illustrations of a coastal storm rolling in, but the rhythm and rhyme is great. I also appreciate that it incorporates so many different animals and how they weather the storm too!

[J. Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot of fun. The pictures are exciting and made my son and I smile as I read to him. He could easily identify what was happening in the story for the most part. When he couldn’t, it didn’t matter, he still enjoyed the story.