Hurricane Book & CD (Read Along Book & CD) (Paperback)

~ David Wiesner (Author) "I can't find Hannibal anywhere, Mom," David said..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Caldecott Honor recipient for the dreamlike picture book Free Fall offers another work to delight children and spark their imaginations. Wiesner's detailed, exquisitely rendered paintings draw the reader into his story of a hurricane's progress with all the sweep and immediacy of a film sequence. As the sky grays and the leaves swirl by in a "green blizzard," David, George and their parents share a cozy supper by the fireplace. The next morning, the boys discover that a big elm which had stood on their lawn now lies stretched across their neighbor's yard. The old tree becomes the vessel that whisks the pair to adventure, as they joyously explore exotic jungles, confront pirates on the seven seas and travel to the stars. Sometimes they just relax, enjoying "their private place, big enough for secret dreams, small enough for shared adventure." One day, though, reality intrudes as workers arrive to remove the tree from their neighbor's yard. Glum all afternoon, the boys brighten when their dad announces that another storm is on the way: maybe a second tree will fall, this time into their yard! This is an exuberant, absorbing slice of life. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

However worrisome for adults and insurers, hurricanes can be the stuff of lifelong memories for children. Wiesner draws on just such memories for this book. It begins in the kitchen, where groceries are being stockpiled, and misses few highlights: the taped glass storm door, supper on the floor in front of the fireplace, a hurricane lamp at bedtime, and excited speculation about what the storm is doing outside the snug house. The brothers here, about seven and ten years old, get a bonus when a big elm blows down. For days it serves as a fantasy prop, becoming a spaceship, a jungle, a caravel--a place "big enough for secret dreams, small enough for shared adventure." This dream ends in a cord of firewood, but another threatened storm brings hope springing eternal. The child-focused, low perspective gives even ordinary scenes an extra measure of drama, and the fantasy spreads are detailed delights. It's fun to find the cat, Hannibal, who registers subtle degrees of disgust, disgruntlement, and hauteur at the disruption of his domain. We wouldn't wish a real hurricane on children, but this book will give them a taste of the magic of the moment when the lights go out. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (May 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547064330
• ISBN-13: 978-0547064338
• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #96,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #7 in

  Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( W ) > Wiesner, David

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kat's Kind Review, October 30, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Hurricane (Paperback)

The book Hurricane by David Wiesner was an excellent book. It teaches children that you don't have to always have the new hi-tech toys to have fun. All you need is your imagination. I would recommend this book to all ages. It was about 2 brothers who are waiting for a large hurricane to arrive in their town. When the storm finally hits both of the boys get really scared. After the hurricane lets up and is over the boys notice that there is a large tree that fell down right next to their house. It wasn't their tree it was the neighbors but they decided to play on it one day because they were extremely bored. They played on the tree so much that it became their little adventure world. They would spend as much time as they could with that tree. They felt safe and protected when they would play. But one morning the boys awoke to the sound of chainsaws and axes hacking away at what sounded like... A TREE!!! Could it have been their tree???

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hurricane, December 7, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Hurricane (Hardcover)

Excellent book about two great boys who lived through a terrible hurricane and almost fell in love with a tree. It had a little sadness and happiness. Great illustrations! One of the best children's books I have ever read! The two boys showed a bunch of love for the tree, unfortunately, it would go in the end. Overall, an excellent book for all ages!!!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Title Misleading!, January 14, 2009

By	Myra Glover - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hurricane (Paperback)

"Hurricane" was more than I expected. Two boys on an adventure after a big storm, and the adventure took place in the neighbor's yard. The illustrations were exceptional and the reading was simple enough for my 7 year old grandson. The memory of this book will remain with the young and old for many years. My grandsons and I have locked this away in our minds as a pleasureable experience. It indeed is a "gold medal" book!