Jim experiences the power of nature, and as a result, he grows as a person.
At the end of the winter, the boy goes outside and talks with the wind about what belongs to him until a massive gale strikes, and there is a flood warning in his little village near the coast. Jim heads towards his grandmother’s place, accompanied by his mother, waiting for the storm to quieten. The story ends with the boy outdoors talking to the wind again, but this time telling a different tale.
The “Storm” is based on the author’s real experience when staying in Norfolk with friends. Kathy Henderson delivers a vivid tale with some illustrations, bringing the spirit of emergency depicted in earthy, black and white and natural colours and capturing nature’s beauty and ferocity with measured intensity. The book was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, a British award recognising yearly distinguished illustrations in children’s books, and it sits alongside Pinfold’s “Black Dog”, which won the prize in a different year.
Henderson uses poetic, descriptive language that brings the mighty power of the outdoors to show how it impacted the protagonist. It brings awareness of nature against humans, and the feelings attached to it, fear and resilience. “The Storm” is a reflective account that can make readers dwell on the fact that real experiences can change our view.
A book that will bring depth to any school or library display.
Similar Books Worth Exploring:
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold – winner of the 2013 Kate Greenaway Medal. Like The Storm, it combines stunning illustrations with a powerful story about facing fears and finding courage.
The Stats:
- Title: The Storm
- Author and Illustrator: Kathy Henderson
- ISBN: 0 7445 7827 2
- Publication Date: 1999
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Walker Books
- Recommended age: 4-8
- Categories/Topic: nature, flooding
Where to Find it:
