Like a Hundred Drums
PreSchool-Grade 2–Griessman's poetic voice and Monks's soft-hued, folksy paintings combine to describe the anticipation of a storm, its dramatic arrival, and the peaceful aftermath. It is a serene summer day on the prairie, but the animals sense that nature has something in store. As the leaves flutter in the breeze, the wren lifts her head and the crow flaps his wings: It was coming. Oh yes, it was coming. The sky changes from blue to purple and the cow swishes her tail. The perspective continues to switch from critter to critter. Then the humans become aware that something is brewing, noting the weather change just before a raindrop falls and the first lightning bolt–represented by a full-page illustration–strikes. Each creature finds an appropriate form of shelter and comfort, including the children who run to the safety of their grandmother's arms. After the calm returns, the wonder of the storm remains deep in the animals' hearts and in the children's minds, For everyone knew…it would come again. This gentle book is perfect for sharing during weather units. Use it with Jane Yolen'sBefore the Storm(Boyds Mills, 1995) to inspire descriptive writing on the topic or in partnership with Patricia Polacco'sThunder Cake(Philomel, 1990) to soothe thunderstorm anxiety.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CTCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.