Thunder-BoomerI’ve always enjoyed watching and listening to thunderstorms. I even like walking in them when I can.

Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to books like Waiting Out the Storm by Joanne Early Macken and today’s featured book Thunder-Boomer (Clarion Books, 2009) written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Carol Thompson.

This picture book tells the story of a farm family suffering through a hot, sticky day when an unexpected thunderstorm drives them inside. But as they’re slamming the windows and watching the raindrops, they see some strange things.

  • Dad’s underwear flying off the line and through the air.
  • Hail hitting their roof and their corn crops.
  • And their favorite chicken, Maizey, stuck outside.

Funny thing is, Maizey isn’t keen on being rescued, but no one finds out why until after the storm. I’ll let Max, today’s guest reviewer, take it from here:

Guest reviewer: Max

Age: 8

I like: Playing basketball. Playing with my brother, Will. Playing baseball.

This book was about: A family who knew a storm was coming. They called it a thunder-boomer. And the little girl’s chicken, Maizey, is behaving crazy, but she’s really trying to protect a little kitten.

The best part was when: The thunderstorm seemed like a tornado. And when the farmer didn’t get right inside and was soaked.

I was worried when: The storm got really bad. I thought the house might blow down.

I was surprised when: The dad’s underwear went flying into the sky.

This book taught me: Why Maizey stayed out in the rain.

Three words that best describe this book: “Thunder-boomer.” “Underwear.” “Storm.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Dad’s underwear!”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: Why Maizey behaves so strangely.

By the way, when Max encounters a storm, he gets in his bed and hides under the covers. Unless, as he says, it’s a tornado. “Then,” he says. “I go to the basement.”

Thanks, Max!

To learn more about author Shutta Crum and her other wonderful books, visit her website.