Like a Hundred Drums Book

It started quietly, with a small flutter of leaves on the old oak tree.

No one noticed at first: not the wren or crow, not the cow or pig, dog or cat, not the children playing in the shade. But when the first gust of wind—full of that storm-fresh scent—reaches them, the quiet comfort of a soft summer day is about to turn into a day of wind, darkness, and loud noises from the sky.

Crack! Boom! Quick, hide!

Beautifully written and illustrated with radiant paintings, this spare story captures the drama, fun, and thrill of a summer thunderstorm.

Children's Literature

The world can be a frightening place for children. They learn new things every day, some of which can be frightening and overwhelming. One of the scariest experiences children can have is facing a sudden change in the weather. The suddenness of a spring thunderstorm sweeping over a small farm frightens three children, making them seek shelter at their grandmother's side. But the children are not the only creatures who are startled by the sudden storm. Though they feel the storm approach, the wren, the cow, the cat, and the dog have to run for cover when the storm breaks as well. But just as suddenly as it arose, the storm passes and everything is a bit newer than it was before. The lyrical prose describes the anticipation they feel as the storm approaches and describes the storm simply and effectively, managing to make the reader feel at ease at the build-up and fury of the storm, and relieved and renewed at the storm's passing.