THE BIG STORM

When a storm starts to brew, the forest animals all take cover in a cave. Bird flies in first as the clouds get darker. Second is Mouse, who scampers in with the wind. Swirling leaves make Squirrel head for cover, while Rabbit leaps at the lightning. Finally the rain starts and sends Chipmunk to safety. Thunder is the final straw for Woodchuck, Raccoon, Opossum, Red Fox and Skunk, who make ten. The animals huddle all night through the storm. The morning dawns bright and clear, but why do they still hear a rumble and grumble? The slow counting build-up is nicely succeeded by a quick countdown as the animals all head back to the forest. Rendered in watercolor inks and pencils, Tafuri’s illustrations have a charming quality—future artists can see the pencil marks and aspire to create illustrations of their own. Careful observers will notice the tracks leading into the cave (even before the first animal enters) and can test their knowledge by matching them to the correct animal. Just in time for summer thundershowers. (Picture book. 3-5)