The Eye of the Storm: A Hurricane's Tale
What’s inside...
A powerful and evocative picture book that tells the story of a hurricane from the perspective of a young boy who learns to face his fears and find courage in the eye of the storm. The book uses vivid illustrations and a poignant text to capture the intensity and beauty of the natural world, and the resilience of the human spirit. A gorgeously-illustrated picture book about the power of community from Caldecott-Honoree John Rocco.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the middle of a hurricane like the characters in the story?
How do you think the characters felt during the hurricane? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some ways we can prepare for a natural disaster like a hurricane?
What did you learn about hurricanes from this book?
How did the community come together after the storm? Why is teamwork important during tough times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about natural disasters and discuss any fears they might have.
Talk about the importance of emergency preparedness and brainstorm a safety plan together.
Relate the story to science by exploring how hurricanes form and the effects they have on the environment.
Highlight the resilience shown by the characters and discuss how adversity can bring people together.
Ask your child to draw or describe their own version of a 'storm-safe' house, incorporating ideas from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding natural disasters
Explanation: The story provides an engaging narrative that explains the formation and impact of hurricanes, helping children grasp complex meteorological concepts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to better understand weather reports and the importance of emergency preparedness in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Bravery and resilience
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate courage as they prepare for and endure the hurricane, showcasing how to face fear and uncertainty.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay calm and courageous during challenging times, whether facing a storm or personal difficulties.
Example Lesson: The importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: As the hurricane approaches, the community members come together to safeguard each other, emphasizing the strength found in unity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of helping and supporting others within their community, school, or family.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book portrays characters dynamically solving problems that arise during the hurricane, providing a model for effective thinking strategies.
Real-World Application: Children can imitate these behaviors to approach problems in their own lives, thinking critically and creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Science literacy
Explanation: By integrating factual information about hurricanes into the storyline, the book enhances children's scientific knowledge and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore more scientific topics, ask questions, and engage in discussions about the natural world.