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Hurricane
That night the wind roars and rumbles,
like the sound of a thousand waves
pounding the shoreline.
A young boy’s favorite place in the world is the old, splintery neighborhood dock. At this dock the boy can swim, fish, or watch minnows dart between the rocks. But a hurricane is coming…and its violent winds and rain carry with it anything that can float.
like the sound of a thousand waves
pounding the shoreline.
A young boy’s favorite place in the world is the old, splintery neighborhood dock. At this dock the boy can swim, fish, or watch minnows dart between the rocks. But a hurricane is coming…and its violent winds and rain carry with it anything that can float.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2015
220 people want to read
About the author
John Rocco
73 books137 followersRocco studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is the author of four acclaimed books for children: Wolf! Wolf!, winner of the Borders Original Voices Award for best picture book; Moonpowder, part of the Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators; Fu Finds the Way, and Blackout, a New York Times Best Book of the Year and winner of a 2012 Caldecott Honor. Rocco also illustrated Whoopi Goldberg‘s Alice and the covers for Rick Riordan‘s multi-million copy internationally bestselling series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. Most recently, Rocco illustrated the fantasy fairy tale, The Flint Heart, written by Katherine Paterson and her husband, John.
me with samFor many years Rocco has been an art director in the entertainment industry, both in the US and abroad. At Dreamworks, Rocco was the pre-production art director on the top-grossing animated film Shrek. For Walt Disney Imagineering, he designed attractions at Disney’s Epcot and served as art director for DisneyQuest, a virtual reality theme park in Downtown Disney. Rocco has worked with computer graphics pioneer Robert Abel, the creator of some of the first CGI commercials and special effects, and contributed to several museum projects including Newseum in Washington D.C. and Paul Allen‘s Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame.
Rocco lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Aileen and their daughter, Alaya.
me with samFor many years Rocco has been an art director in the entertainment industry, both in the US and abroad. At Dreamworks, Rocco was the pre-production art director on the top-grossing animated film Shrek. For Walt Disney Imagineering, he designed attractions at Disney’s Epcot and served as art director for DisneyQuest, a virtual reality theme park in Downtown Disney. Rocco has worked with computer graphics pioneer Robert Abel, the creator of some of the first CGI commercials and special effects, and contributed to several museum projects including Newseum in Washington D.C. and Paul Allen‘s Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame.
Rocco lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Aileen and their daughter, Alaya.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 18, 2023
The perfect read for Hurricane season!
I’m a fan of John Rocco and this book definitely reminds me why I enjoy him as a creator. It follows a boy in a small town after the impact of a hurricane. He enjoys spending time at the dock. Unfortunately, his special place is destroyed during the storm. Although it feels as though no one cares about the dock as much as him, he quickly learns the meaning of community and helping those in need. The artwork in this is stunning and reminds us that humanity in individuals still exists in the time of tragedy.
I’m a fan of John Rocco and this book definitely reminds me why I enjoy him as a creator. It follows a boy in a small town after the impact of a hurricane. He enjoys spending time at the dock. Unfortunately, his special place is destroyed during the storm. Although it feels as though no one cares about the dock as much as him, he quickly learns the meaning of community and helping those in need. The artwork in this is stunning and reminds us that humanity in individuals still exists in the time of tragedy.
December 3, 2021
A destroyed dock becomes something new in this story about a community that comes after a hurricane.
November 26, 2021
This could be the book that earns a Caldecott for John Rocco. It is an addition to his "disaster books," along with BLIZZARD and BLACKOUT. It has absolutely breath-taking illustrations. I feel like I've actually seen a hurricane now. My favorite part of the book was the last page. This is on my list of contenders.
September 17, 2021
The boy who narrates this story of a hurricane has a neighborhood dock that he loves. No one ever uses it except for him. It’s old, splintery and weathered, and just perfect. He can fish from the dock, catch crabs and swim. One day when he returned home from the dock, the air felt different and his father was putting boards over the windows. A storm was coming. The winds were big enough to shake the whole house and the river crept up the street. The next morning, the boy headed back to his dock, ready to fish. But his neighborhood looked different and the dock was destroyed. The boy asked everyone for help rebuilding the dock, but they were busy fixing their homes. So he knew he had to do it himself. Day after day, he worked on the dock all alone. Just when he was about to give up, help arrived. The whole town helped rebuild the dock into something that they could all share.
Caldecott-Honoree, Rocco, continues his exploration of natural disasters with this third book following Blizzard and Blackout. Rocco captures the joy of being near water, both when you have a treasured place that you can use alone and when it’s bustling and shared. The connection with nature is evident throughout the book, with the unnamed protagonist taking solace during the storm by imagining himself under his dock. The hard work the boy does to get his special place back is then supported by the community and shows the power of helping one another.
Rocco’s illustrations are full of sunshine and water at first. They show how the boy loves his time at the dock. Then the storm comes and Rocco has captured the unique lighting of pre-storm hours and then the darkness that descends. The devastation afterwards is realistic and dramatic, with trees down, shingles on the ground, and a flooded road. The moment that the boy sees his dock is particularly heart-wrenching and also a moment of resilience.
This picture book celebrates nature and community even in moments of devastation. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Caldecott-Honoree, Rocco, continues his exploration of natural disasters with this third book following Blizzard and Blackout. Rocco captures the joy of being near water, both when you have a treasured place that you can use alone and when it’s bustling and shared. The connection with nature is evident throughout the book, with the unnamed protagonist taking solace during the storm by imagining himself under his dock. The hard work the boy does to get his special place back is then supported by the community and shows the power of helping one another.
Rocco’s illustrations are full of sunshine and water at first. They show how the boy loves his time at the dock. Then the storm comes and Rocco has captured the unique lighting of pre-storm hours and then the darkness that descends. The devastation afterwards is realistic and dramatic, with trees down, shingles on the ground, and a flooded road. The moment that the boy sees his dock is particularly heart-wrenching and also a moment of resilience.
This picture book celebrates nature and community even in moments of devastation. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
April 5, 2025
I love the teaching opportunities this book provides. Plus, the illustrations are incredible!
- compare and contrast living on the coast to living in mid-America
- pair with non-fiction about hurricanes
- discussions about the meaning and importance of empathy, resilience, and helping others
- compare and contrast living on the coast to living in mid-America
- pair with non-fiction about hurricanes
- discussions about the meaning and importance of empathy, resilience, and helping others
March 6, 2022
I love John Rocco's books and their powerful yet simple messages. This one explores what happens when a hurricane rips through a boy's town and how the neighbors come together to rebuild and support each other. Such a beautiful and timely message!
January 31, 2022
A young boy's favorite fishing dock is destroyed when a hurricane roars through his community. After the disaster, he helps his neighbors clean up their homes and yards and they help him rebuild the dock--into something the whole neighborhood can use. Evocative illustrations make you feel as if you are in the midst of the hurricane.
Veg*n parents note: As hinted at by the cover, fishing is one major theme of this story. Veg*n parents of young children may want to choose a hurricane-themed book that reflects more humane values, such as Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival .
Veg*n parents note: As hinted at by the cover, fishing is one major theme of this story. Veg*n parents of young children may want to choose a hurricane-themed book that reflects more humane values, such as Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival .
December 3, 2021
Another great book by Rocco. The endpapers include info about hurricanes and docks. The story is compelling including the wordless pages. Icing on the cake is Rocco's inclusion of a note his wrote his parents when he was six, telling them he was going fishing and was going to catch a fish.
Kid-tested and overall thumbs up which means we think this book is extra special.
Kid-tested and overall thumbs up which means we think this book is extra special.
February 11, 2022
A boy's favorite place is a dock. It gets destroyed during a hurricane. When he asks for help rebuilding it all of the adults are busy fixing other things. He helps, but then returns to the dock. Just when he is ready to give up everyone comes to give him a hand.
Front endpapers show a hurricanes formation. Back endpapers show dock parts.
Front endpapers show a hurricanes formation. Back endpapers show dock parts.
October 28, 2021
Very good story about a hurricane and a boy who lives through one with his family. It goes through all the stages of a hurricane and how people prepare, survive and rebuild after it’s over. Illustrations are very nice.
December 29, 2021
Social emotional; BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE?
April 9, 2022
Beautiful book that describes a hurricane in terms and illustrations a kid could understand without being too frightening. I like the way everyone works together to clean up, the only thing missing is a hurricane party where they eat all their freezer food after the power goes out.
December 8, 2021
A little boy loves his neighborhood dock where he fishes every day. But when a hurricane hits their town, it leaves a trail of damage and destroys his beloved dock. The boy goes looking for help to fix the dock, but realizes others need help for more important things first. So he chips in to help his town, and then gets busy on his dock which needs a lot of work and may be too much for one little boy.
This is a sweet story of a town coming together to help each other. I loved that the boy realized others needed his help more than his dock did, and chipped in to help without expecting any help in return. I also loved his perseverance and willingness to work hard for something he loved. That is a rare thing in this day and age. It isn't stated, but at the end it seems like all the teamwork to clean up has brought the community together in new ways by the end. It is heartwarming. As always, Rocco's illustrations are stunning. I happened to peak under the slip cover to look at a chart on the end pages, and realized that the actual cover of the hardcover is an enlarged version of the boy's dream about sea life under his dock...and it is worth a look. Hand this to art lovers, and those who love helping stories, and community teamwork stories.
This is a sweet story of a town coming together to help each other. I loved that the boy realized others needed his help more than his dock did, and chipped in to help without expecting any help in return. I also loved his perseverance and willingness to work hard for something he loved. That is a rare thing in this day and age. It isn't stated, but at the end it seems like all the teamwork to clean up has brought the community together in new ways by the end. It is heartwarming. As always, Rocco's illustrations are stunning. I happened to peak under the slip cover to look at a chart on the end pages, and realized that the actual cover of the hardcover is an enlarged version of the boy's dream about sea life under his dock...and it is worth a look. Hand this to art lovers, and those who love helping stories, and community teamwork stories.
December 15, 2021
A hurricane has hit this seaside town and John Rocco tells its story through the eyes of a little boy. From before the hurricane as people prepare their homes to the cleanup efforts afterwards, the boy tells what he sees. The story also speaks of the power of a community coming together.
The story is simple and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. For our elementary library, we've chosen to take off the book cover because we discovered that the art on the hardcover itself is too good to not be shown. On the inside of the front cover, Rocco includes a diagram of how a hurricane forms and on the inside of the back cover he shows what a dock is made of.
The story is simple and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. For our elementary library, we've chosen to take off the book cover because we discovered that the art on the hardcover itself is too good to not be shown. On the inside of the front cover, Rocco includes a diagram of how a hurricane forms and on the inside of the back cover he shows what a dock is made of.
September 30, 2021
Hurricanes are scary weather events for lots of kids and it seems we are experiencing more and more extreme storms nowadays. Here is the story of one such storm and its aftereffects.
Before our young unnamed narrator tells his hurricane story, this new book by John Rocco begins with the front endpapers giving brief information about how hurricanes are categorized according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and including an illustration of just how hurricanes begin and end.
From there, our narrator tells us that his favorite place in the world is the old splintery neighborhood dock that no one uses except him. There, at the river, he can fish, swim, crab, or just watch what is going on around him. One day, as he walks home, he sees his neighbors and his dad boarding up and taping the windows of their homes in preparation for an impending hurricane.
Later that night, the hurricane roars in bringing destruction everywhere and causing the river to overflow and wash away anything that can float.
By the next day, the hurricane is gone but what a path of destruction it leaves in its wake. Our young narrator, fishing pole and tackle box in hand, almost doesn't recognize his street anymore. But the real shock come when he sees what the hurricane has done to his beloved dock.
The boy asks his dad and his neighbors for help repairing the dock, but they are all busy fixing the damage done to their homes. Instead of fixing the dock, the boy stays and helps his neighbors instead. After, returning home, he decides to try to fix the dock on his own. Day after day, he works on it, though it's a big job for a young boy. But just as he is about to give up, the whole neighborhood shows up to help him. In the end, the dock is better that ever - it is sturdier, safer, and best of all - it has become everyone's dock and it is still his favorite place in the world.
I suspect this story may be somewhat autobiographical, it just has the feeling of something actually experienced. Maybe this is because Rocco has really captured the young narrator's emotional range so well, at times, he looks so vulnerable, other times scared, stunned, and disappointed, but also hopeful and happy.
What I really liked was how Rocco showed the change in the neighborhood before and after the storm. The fact that the dock belonged to the town but the narrator was the only one using it indicates that maybe people were not friendly with each other before the storm. Also, the narrator is always shown alone. But after the boy has helped them out and they have reciprocated by helping fix the dock shows a new, stronger feeling of community.
The illustrations, done with pencil, watercolor and digital color, are colorful and detailed. One of the things Rocco does so well is depicting movement even in a still image. Take for example, the image of the storm I've included - you really get the sense of heavy slanted rain forced by the strong winds, and the water from the river flowing up the street. All of the illustrations are just brilliant.
So, what do you think Rocco included on the back endpapers? Why, the parts of a dock, of course.
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book and the images included here were a PDF gratefully received from Ana Sierra at Wunderkind PR
Before our young unnamed narrator tells his hurricane story, this new book by John Rocco begins with the front endpapers giving brief information about how hurricanes are categorized according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and including an illustration of just how hurricanes begin and end.
From there, our narrator tells us that his favorite place in the world is the old splintery neighborhood dock that no one uses except him. There, at the river, he can fish, swim, crab, or just watch what is going on around him. One day, as he walks home, he sees his neighbors and his dad boarding up and taping the windows of their homes in preparation for an impending hurricane.
Later that night, the hurricane roars in bringing destruction everywhere and causing the river to overflow and wash away anything that can float.
By the next day, the hurricane is gone but what a path of destruction it leaves in its wake. Our young narrator, fishing pole and tackle box in hand, almost doesn't recognize his street anymore. But the real shock come when he sees what the hurricane has done to his beloved dock.
The boy asks his dad and his neighbors for help repairing the dock, but they are all busy fixing the damage done to their homes. Instead of fixing the dock, the boy stays and helps his neighbors instead. After, returning home, he decides to try to fix the dock on his own. Day after day, he works on it, though it's a big job for a young boy. But just as he is about to give up, the whole neighborhood shows up to help him. In the end, the dock is better that ever - it is sturdier, safer, and best of all - it has become everyone's dock and it is still his favorite place in the world.
I suspect this story may be somewhat autobiographical, it just has the feeling of something actually experienced. Maybe this is because Rocco has really captured the young narrator's emotional range so well, at times, he looks so vulnerable, other times scared, stunned, and disappointed, but also hopeful and happy.
What I really liked was how Rocco showed the change in the neighborhood before and after the storm. The fact that the dock belonged to the town but the narrator was the only one using it indicates that maybe people were not friendly with each other before the storm. Also, the narrator is always shown alone. But after the boy has helped them out and they have reciprocated by helping fix the dock shows a new, stronger feeling of community.
The illustrations, done with pencil, watercolor and digital color, are colorful and detailed. One of the things Rocco does so well is depicting movement even in a still image. Take for example, the image of the storm I've included - you really get the sense of heavy slanted rain forced by the strong winds, and the water from the river flowing up the street. All of the illustrations are just brilliant.
So, what do you think Rocco included on the back endpapers? Why, the parts of a dock, of course.
This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book and the images included here were a PDF gratefully received from Ana Sierra at Wunderkind PR
January 18, 2022
This is a great book about a neighborhood coming together to help each other after a hurricane. Rocco explains how a hurricane forms but then the focus shifts to a young boy who loves swimming, fishing, and exploring at the old dock in his neighborhood. The dock is on a river and it is his favorite place to be. One day, he comes home to find that everyone is boarding up their windows and battening down the hatches - a hurricane is coming! As the storm intensifies, he worries about his house floating away because of all the rain and the water from the river rising. When he gets up the next morning and heads out the door - it's hard to recognize his neighborhood. The storm has done some damage. But when he gets to the dock - he discovers the hurricane demolished his favorite place. He asks his neighbors for help rebuilding it but everyone is too busy repairing their own houses so - he pitches in to help them. And then decides he is going to rebuild his dock. But can he tackle such a big project? Maybe - especially when everyone pitches in to help!
This is a warm and fuzzy story in the best possible way. I loved the illustrations and I also liked the note that John includes at the end of the book!
This is a warm and fuzzy story in the best possible way. I loved the illustrations and I also liked the note that John includes at the end of the book!
November 25, 2024
John Rocco's "Hurricane" is a poignant and visually stunning story about resilience, community, and the power of kindness in the face of natural disasters. The story centers on a young boy named John, whose beloved dock is destroyed by a hurricane—a natural catastrophe that has become all too familiar in today’s world. While his neighbors are preoccupied with repairing their own damages, John selflessly lends a helping hand. His acts of kindness inspire the community to come together, and ultimately, they join forces to rebuild the dock. The dock, once a special place for John, transforms into a symbol of unity and shared effort, now cherished by all.
Rocco’s narrative is a timely reminder of humanity’s capacity for empathy and teamwork in overcoming challenges. The hurricane’s destruction mirrors real-life adversities, emphasizing that while we may not always be able to protect everything, we have the strength to rebuild when we work together. The book’s message is clear: even when faced with loss, kindness and a collective spirit can turn grief into growth and create something even more meaningful.
The illustrations are breathtaking, capturing both the raw power of the storm and the tender moments of rebuilding. The story also subtly teaches children the importance of helping others and fostering connections within their community.
"Hurricane" is not just a tale about a boy and his dock—it’s a call to action for readers of all ages to remember that together, we are stronger. It’s a must-read for families, classrooms, and anyone who values the enduring power of compassion.
Rocco’s narrative is a timely reminder of humanity’s capacity for empathy and teamwork in overcoming challenges. The hurricane’s destruction mirrors real-life adversities, emphasizing that while we may not always be able to protect everything, we have the strength to rebuild when we work together. The book’s message is clear: even when faced with loss, kindness and a collective spirit can turn grief into growth and create something even more meaningful.
The illustrations are breathtaking, capturing both the raw power of the storm and the tender moments of rebuilding. The story also subtly teaches children the importance of helping others and fostering connections within their community.
"Hurricane" is not just a tale about a boy and his dock—it’s a call to action for readers of all ages to remember that together, we are stronger. It’s a must-read for families, classrooms, and anyone who values the enduring power of compassion.
January 13, 2022
Like his two books dealing with an extreme weather-based event, Hurricane is beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully told from the perspective of a child. The boy in this story lives near the sea, or bay and "lives" to fish off his dock. most of his routines revolve around "his" dock and some of the local neighbors who utilize it, and the area for recreation and their way of life. Then, just as in "Blizzard" and "Blackout", everyday life is altered by a a natural event that causes great disruption. Just as in the two previous stories - there is before, during and after; it is about coping, adjusting, and making the best of the situation - especially with empathy - empathy for those who are greatly more impacted and need help. It is a really good learning experience for readers and listeners - especially for the increase of extreme weather much of the country experiences these recent years. There is also some terrific information in the back pages that offer insights into hurricanes and how they are formed. i would not be at all surprised to find an award sticker on this books once the ALA Awards are issued in the coming days!
October 26, 2021
John Rocco tells another story of a big event affecting the everyday life of a child. Here a young boy tells readers about the most special place in his world, a neighborhood dock, where he fishes, swims, observers nature and enjoys. When a hurricane strikes, it damages not only his neighborhood but destroys his beloved dock. The boy helps his parents and the neighbors with the clean up but everyone is too busy to help rebuild the dock, so he tries to do it himself. But despite valiant efforts, the job is too big for him. That's when the neighbors pull together to help, rebuilding the dock so it is much better than ever and becomes a place they all enjoy.
This is visual storytelling at its best and Rocco's charming illustrations are completely engaging. There is a nostalgic, looking-back-sort of feel to them and a heart-warming ending that left me smiling.
Included are wonderful visuals showing how a hurricane forms in the front of the book and the various parts of a dock at the end. Outstanding!
This is visual storytelling at its best and Rocco's charming illustrations are completely engaging. There is a nostalgic, looking-back-sort of feel to them and a heart-warming ending that left me smiling.
Included are wonderful visuals showing how a hurricane forms in the front of the book and the various parts of a dock at the end. Outstanding!
April 3, 2025
The first page has a diagram of what makes a hurricane. It's cool to see.
We see the world through this boy who loves his dock and fishing. Then we see a storm coming. We are safe in the boys room and we hear things. The coolest part is seeing his dreams during the storm.
The next day, we see the after effects of a storm. The boys old dock didn't make it.
We learn that nothing brings a community together like picking up after a storm. I have to say, this book warmed my heart. It is a feel good book for certain.
The artwork was done in pencil, watercolor and digital coloring. There were some gorgeous drawings. We see sunsets and docks in the water. I just love it. There's some very delicate drawing in here. A few pages took my breath away. A great book over all. He really loves this part of nature and it shows. This color and shadow just work. This is a work of art.
Anyone who loves a good story will love this. Kids interested in hurricanes will love this.
We see the world through this boy who loves his dock and fishing. Then we see a storm coming. We are safe in the boys room and we hear things. The coolest part is seeing his dreams during the storm.
The next day, we see the after effects of a storm. The boys old dock didn't make it.
We learn that nothing brings a community together like picking up after a storm. I have to say, this book warmed my heart. It is a feel good book for certain.
The artwork was done in pencil, watercolor and digital coloring. There were some gorgeous drawings. We see sunsets and docks in the water. I just love it. There's some very delicate drawing in here. A few pages took my breath away. A great book over all. He really loves this part of nature and it shows. This color and shadow just work. This is a work of art.
Anyone who loves a good story will love this. Kids interested in hurricanes will love this.
June 15, 2022
This is a heartwarming story of a boy who, at first, enjoys spending time alone at an abandoned dock. He fishes, swims, catches crabs, and watches the sea creatures under the dock. Then a hurricane comes along and changes the landscape of his neighborhood, including his beloved river dock. As he goes from neighbor to neighbor asking for help to rebuild "his" dock, he ends up helping them clean up their yards from the storm damage. Then he decides to rebuild the dock himself. After days of work he is about to give up, when the neighbors show up and build a new dock which becomes a place the whole neighborhood can enjoy. Though I loved the story, the educational value was important as well. This book tells about the categories of hurricanes, how to prepare for a hurricane, what it is like during a hurricane, and the aftermath--all in a kid-friendly way. It even shows how to build a dock.
February 12, 2022
Another great picture book by John Rocco that outlines details of a natural disaster in a narrative fiction format. His illustrations contain so much content, and the story is told from a child's point of view. Like Rocco (see his note to Mom & Dad when he was 6!), this boy loves to fish off his dock. Then a hurricane brews, people prepare, the storm beats down, and the destruction is everywhere. Next comes the clean-up, and Rocco portrays a neighborhood that comes together to rebuild even better (I did kinda wonder where this boy's parents were, but at the same time, I like his independence and initiative.) Endpapers (partially covered by my library jacket-cover, unfortunately!) have information about how hurricanes hurricanes form and how they are categorized, and then...parts of a dock at the end!
February 10, 2022
The illustrations are so very evocative. As I have with all of Rocco's gems, I instantly fell in love with this story. What an incredible idea to write about a type of weather that isn't often highlighted in children's literature. I love how this young person is determined to rebuild their pier even though everyone else is busy and they might not have the expertise to do such a thing. It is so empowering for children to see that they should be their own people with their own ambitions and projects. I loved that the whole town pitched in and made the pier 100 times better than it was originally. It shows what teamwork can accomplish.
Perfect for a weather or perseverance or community or teamwork storytime.
Perfect for a weather or perseverance or community or teamwork storytime.
March 11, 2022
Beautiful illustrations. Great fictional book to go with a weather unit. Told from a child's perspective who doesn't really understand the seriousness of the weather coming in. Shows the destruction (but not devastation) that happens after a hurricane comes through his town. It destroys the dock he likes to fish on. There is a theme of community as they all work together to clean up after the storm and then finally the community comes together to help the boy rebuild the dock he loved to fish on.
Notes: based on author's experience in Rhode Island as a child. community. weather book.
Here is a link to a great author walk through of the book.
https://vimeo.com/576928902
Notes: based on author's experience in Rhode Island as a child. community. weather book.
Here is a link to a great author walk through of the book.
https://vimeo.com/576928902
March 19, 2022
Readers see the destructive power of a hurricane as this town preps for, moves through, and recovers from an intense one. It completely destroys the town dock where the narrator spends time fishing, swimming, etc. After the storm passes, everyone is busy fixing their homes and no one has time to help him rebuild the dock. He decides to do it himself and is surprised when everyone pitches in and builds an even better dock for the whole town to use.
I appreciate Rocco's illustrations as they capture the scenery and the character emotions without reading a word. He spins his story from this young man's perspective and readers feel they are standing beside him as it unfolds.
I appreciate Rocco's illustrations as they capture the scenery and the character emotions without reading a word. He spins his story from this young man's perspective and readers feel they are standing beside him as it unfolds.
June 5, 2023
Another preview for the next school year's science. The story follows a boy in a coastal town whose favorite hangout spot is destroyed by a hurricane. The experience of living through the hurricane is treated with a lighter touch, which would make it less frightening for kids. And the story has a hopeful tone overall, with the community coming together to help each other clean up and rebuild after the storm. There's also some excellent diagrams in the front and back covers of how a hurricane is formed and how a dock functions. I can see why the illustrator has been up for a Caldecott, and I'm glad to see there's also a Blizzard book along the same lines by him.
January 5, 2022
This is as much a story about community coming together as it is about a hurricane. The stages of a hurricane are all here: preparing, experiencing it, and cleaning up afterwards. Woven throughout this story is the love a little boy has for his dock and all that comes with it such as swimming, fishing and experiencing nature. Beautiful addition to this author’s books about storms titled “Blackout” and “Blizzard”. End pages give more information on how a hurricane forms and how a dock should be built. Illustrations are detailed and stunning.
December 1, 2021
Ugh, the library copy has the cover taped down tight and I’m unable to see the full endpapers — I can see a hint that there’s something underneath but that’s it. Front papers explain how a hurricane forms, back shows dock constructions while in between a boy experiences the destruction from a hurricane, most important to him is the loss of his beloved dock. This tale is primarily about community though and people helping each other and creating something new together.
December 20, 2021
What a great book for young readers to learn about hurricanes, community service and rebuilding, and how to build a dock!
The pictures are big and real-to-life. They depict a hurricane and it's devastation in a dramatic way for children to understand.
How clever to use the end pages to illustrate how a hurricane works (in the front of the book) and how to build a dock (in the back of rhe book).
The pictures are big and real-to-life. They depict a hurricane and it's devastation in a dramatic way for children to understand.
How clever to use the end pages to illustrate how a hurricane works (in the front of the book) and how to build a dock (in the back of rhe book).
April 3, 2022
This isn't really a book about a hurricane, but rather a boy's loss of his favorite place -- a dock where he likes to fish -- and the rebuilding of the community after the hurricane. I would have been more intrigued if the title had more to do with the dock and had a more emotional feel overall. The art is nice, though. An extra star for the adorable note from the author at the end from when he was six years old.
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