Mixed media illustrations and lyrical storytelling capture the high drama of a midsummer thunderstorm. From the first soft breeze that flits through the day’s oppressive heat, through the storm’s full fury of wind, rain, hail, thunder, and lightning, the changing weather demands the attention of a farm family. Yanking damp clothing off the line turns into a mad sprint for the house, until Dad dashes out again to retrieve a wayward chicken. Emotions run high as excited kids, a grouchy chicken, and a farmer worried about hail damage all have their moment in the spotlight. When the storm finally abates, the family goes “outside to a world that’s wet and deeply green. The puddles in the yard are full of floating hail and leaves. Our metal roofs are dimpled—just a bit. And the corn is leaning—but not ruined.” The hen’s unusual irritability is explained when she’s discovered sheltering a very small and very wet kitten under her wing. (Ages 4–8)

A summer storm brings relief from the heat--and a surprise--to a farm family.

It's a hot day on the farm, and a little girl, her brother, and their mother are trying to cool off by the pond. Suddenly, dark clouds roll in. A thunder-boomer is on the way!

The storm brings pounding rain and hail--and an unexpected visitor: a soggy wet stray kitten. Colorful descriptions of the storm are accompanied by lots of playful sound effects, making this free-verse poem perfect for reading aloud. Charming watercolor illustrations capture all the drama, humor, and tenderness of the text.