Storm in the Night [Paperback]

Mary Stolz (Author), Pat Cummings (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 30, 1990 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 550L (What's this?)

Storm in the night.
Thunder like mountains blowing up.
Lightning licking the navy-blue sky.
Rain streaming down the windows,
babbling in the downspouts.
And Grandfather? . . .
And Thomas? . . .
And Ringo, the cat?
They were in the dark.

Too early to go to bed, and with only flashes of lightning to see by, Thomas and his grandfather happily find themselves re-discovering the half-forgotten scents and sounds of their world, and having a wonderful time learning important, new things about each other in a spirited conversation sparked by darkness.

Mary Stolz and Pat Cummings have each brought their unique talents to this lyrical tale about a magical, stormy night and a special relationship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Because a fierce storm has put out the lights, Thomas's grandfather says, "I shall have to tell you a tale of when I was a boy." But Grandfather's story about his dog Melvin is prefaced by 18 pages that focus instead on Thomas's loving relationship with the peppery old man. The discursive, gentle text reflects Thomas's thoughts about sounds and memories. He wonders about the differences between grandfathers and boyshe has "a chin as smooth as a peach" while Grandfather has "a voice like a tuba." He and his grandfather listen to the sound of rain that clatters "on the tin roof like a million tacks," and, finally, Grandfather tells his story of "how fear does strange things to people." Cummings's electric-blue palette is almost overwhelming in its intensity, but it beautifully captures the dance of night shadows with golden light. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 Paintings in icy blue-white, black, and brown illustrate this story of a young black boy, his grandfather, and their cat during a fearsome thunder storm. There is a power failure, so that there is nothing to do except talk. Whatever fears the boy has are quelled by his grandfather's wit, understand ing, and a comforting story. This is a picture book of contrastthe raging storm without, the calm within as the grandfather shares the fear he had as a youngster during a similar storm when he accidently left his puppy outside. Stolz' poetic language is powerful, packed with vivid imagery and ono matopoeic verse from the ``thunder like mountains blowing up'' to the ``ping'' of the living room clock. The balance of the text is comprised of relaxed, unhur ried dialogue. The pictures contrast the strong use of dark shadows and the soft light which illuminates the warmth in side the house. Best read aloud, but don't wait for a storm. Marianne Pilla, Long Beach Public Library, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (September 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064432564
• ISBN-13: 978-0064432566
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.2 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Multiculturalism

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the very young January 1, 2003

By BlessedCP

Format:Paperback

I read this to my kindergarten class and they struggled to stay interested in the story. It contains mostly dialog which was difficult to follow. Also the dark illustrations were not friendly. The story is good, about overcoming fear and being honest about about your feelings. However, your audience should be about 1st or 2nd grade and you'll want to read it with different voices to help the children understand who is talking.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Imagery at its best! November 2, 2007

By Melissa S. Arbour

Format:Paperback

I am a fourth grade teacher and this book is perfect for teaching various forms of figurative language. There are plenty of opportunities to explore similes, metaphors, onomotopoeia, and personification. The imagery is rich and vivid. Since its language and illustrations are more sophisticated, it captures and holds older students throughout this story making it a treasure for teaching students of all ages.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Storm In The Night! July 23, 2005

By Linda Ward

Format:Paperback

This book is execellent in explaining about fear and how to conquer it. My f0ur children loved it!