Harry's Stormy Night
Orchard picturebooks Series
What’s inside...
Harry has never heard such wind, whistling through the chimneys. He is terrified, but when he hears a little cry from the next room, he realizes that someone else could be just as scared as him. While a wild wind blows outside, Harry feels cozy and safe while he is up with his family, but once he is alone in bed, he must find ways to control his nightmarish fears of the dark and the wind. All evening the North Wind roared. Harry had never heard such a ferocious wind. Inside his house, it was safe and warm, although the electricity had gone off. How Harry allays his nighttime fears of the boisterous windstorm makes a charming story that is happily reassuring for young readers. Full color.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Harry felt during the storm and why?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation like Harry?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like Harry? What helped you feel better?
How did the characters in the story help each other?
What do you think is the main message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. Acknowledge your child's feelings as they relate their own experiences to Harry's.
Encourage imagination by asking your child how they would change the story’s ending or any scene.
Relate the story to personal experiences. Share a similar story from your own life to help your child connect on a deeper level.
Praise their responses, regardless of their answers, to promote a positive and open discussion environment.
Highlight key moments in the book as you discuss, to help your child recall details and improve their comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Harry’s Stormy Night', Harry confronts his fear of thunderstorms as he learns about the natural phenomena causing them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by gaining knowledge about their fears, understanding them and finding ways to deal with situations that scare them.
Example Lesson: Importance of seeking comfort
Explanation: Harry seeks comfort from his family during the storm, illustrating the significance of reaching out for support when needed.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can learn to seek comfort and communicate their feelings to trusted adults or peers when they feel overwhelmed or scared.
Example Lesson: Learning from curiosity
Explanation: Harry’s curiosity leads him to learn more about storms, showing how asking questions and seeking knowledge can be beneficial.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay curious and actively seek out information about topics that interest or concern them in their daily experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, Harry manages to stay calm and learn during the storm, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing challenges head-on can lead to personal growth and overcoming fears.