Storm Tunes (Yes, I Can Read! Nature Series, Book 2)

Tabatha D’Agata
Bouncing Ball Books (2006)
ISBN 9781934138021
Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (5/08)


“Storm Tunes” is Book 2 in the “Yes, I Can Read! Nature Series” and is geared toward beginning readers.  In the book, the main character is a boy named Sal who has a fear of storms.  As one approaches he hides underneath his bed.  His mom tries to get him to come out by bribing him with various items.  He finally comes out to sing and dance with his mother.

Cayden:  “He is under his bed because a storm is coming!  I don’t like storms but I don’t go under my bed!”
Max:  “Storm!  Thunder!”
Max:  “Scared!”

Cayden:  “Why does he get cookies and cake?  Those look good!  Will I get cookies if I hide under my bed?”

Max:  “Out!”
Cayden:  “Yes Max he came out from under the bed to dance with his mommy.”

Cayden:  “That is lightning!”
Cayden:  “Those kids shouldn’t be outside jumping in puddles when it is lightning!!”
Max:  “No!!”

Parent’s comments:

“Storm Tunes” is a book that addresses a common fear of young children.  The illustrations in the book are very simple and serve their purpose and getting the point of the story across.  As part of the “Yes, I Can Read!” series there are a lot of repetitive words in the book which is important for those beginning to read.   

One thing that Cayden brought up was that on the same page with a picture of a lightning bolt there were also kids jumping around in puddles.  Maybe that would have been better to put that part in after the storm was completely over.  It isn’t very safe to be outside playing in puddles during a storm.   

I am also not a big fan of bribing children to get them to do things.  To try to get Sal to come out from under the bed his mom bribed him with a dollar, cookies, staying up late, etc.  Cayden even said the next time there is a storm he will hide under his bed so he gets cookies.  The part where they were dancing and singing was fun though and my children enjoyed dancing around and doing the actions.  All in all, while my children enjoyed the dancing parts of the book, I really don’t think that “Storm Tunes” conveyed a very positive message.

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