The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm
What’s inside...
When little Mica Mouse is scared by thunder booming outside her cozy home, Papa Mouse reaches for just the right story to comfort her. Hugging her close, he begins to read The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm. In this poetic book-within-a-book, a happy little rhinoceros is overwhelmed by a storm that sweeps away everything he loves. Swallowing the storm just makes him feel worse, so Rhino sets off on a whimsical journey toward healing. Along the way, he meets many friends, including a kind spider, a brave kangaroo, a wise tortoise, and an uplifting whale. With their help, Rhino lets go of the storm inside and learns to see the light in a world turned gray. Mica Mouse is soothed by the story and Papa’s gentle reminder that even though bad things sometimes happen, the world is full of people who care. In his first children's book, longtime Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton gives us an engaging resource to help children express their feelings and navigate through difficult experiences. The 'Take a Deeper Look' page at the end of the book even provides discussion questions to facilitate a healing dialogue.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rhino
Mica Mouse
Mama Mouse
Discussion points
How did the rhino feel after swallowing the storm? Can you describe a time when you felt similar?
What helped the rhino calm the storm inside him? What helps you when you feel upset or overwhelmed?
Why do you think the other animals wanted to help the rhino?
What did you learn from the story about facing tough situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating to the rhino’s experiences. Listen attentively and validate their emotions. Expand the conversation by sharing your own experiences and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficulties. Lastly, emphasize the message of community support and resilience showcased in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Rhino in the story swallows a storm, symbolizing the challenge he faces. Despite the turmoil, he works through his feelings and eventually finds calm and peace.
Real-World Application: Children learn that challenges and tough emotions can be managed and overcome, teaching them to be resilient when faced with difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking help
Explanation: After swallowing the storm, the Rhino reaches out to his friends who help and support him. This demonstrates the power of asking for assistance when in need.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to ask for help from parents, teachers, or friends when they feel overwhelmed, fostering a sense of community and support.
Example Lesson: Expression of emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Rhino expresses various emotions, from fear to relief, providing a model for emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Children are taught that it’s healthy to express their emotions and that doing so is a step towards resolving their own personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story shows other animals empathizing with Rhino’s plight, helping him cope and recover.
Real-World Application: This promotes empathy by encouraging children to consider the feelings of others around them and to respond with kindness and compassion.
Example Lesson: Healing after trauma
Explanation: The narrative concludes with Rhino feeling more at peace, illustrating the process of recovery from a traumatic event.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that recovery is possible after bad experiences and that they can regain tranquility and happiness over time.