Hurricane
on Goodreads (1,012)
What’s inside...
The night of the hurricane is one that David and George will never forget. When it hits David and George's house they stay snuggled up inside with their cat until it's all over. The next morning they spot a fallen tree which sparks their imagination; they embark on expeditions through the jungle and ride the seas on a pirate ship. An incredible adventure from multi-award-winning Wiesner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boys felt when they saw their backyard transformed by the hurricane?
What would you do if you found a fallen tree like the one in the story?
Why is it important to help clean up after a natural disaster?
How can we prepare for a hurricane like the one in the book?
What did you learn about the power of nature from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own backyard adventures, drawing parallels to the story to enhance their connection to the narrative.
Discuss personal experiences or knowledge about storms and natural disasters to contextualize the events of the book.
Use descriptive language from the book to help your child visualize the scenes and understand the impact of the hurricane.
Link the story to lessons on safety and preparedness for natural disasters, making the conversation both educational and practical.
Validate their feelings about the story, whether they're excited, scared, or curious, and explore those emotions together through discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: In 'Hurricane', the children use their imagination to transform a fallen tree into an adventurous jungle, pirate ship, and space rocket.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creative thinking in play, which enhances cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases how the children adapt to the changes brought by the hurricane, finding new opportunities for fun and adventure despite the apparent destruction.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain positive and resilient when unexpected changes occur, fostering adaptability in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature’s forces
Explanation: The depiction of the hurricane and its effects on the environment helps children understand and respect the power of natural events.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of environmental awareness and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The children creatively use the fallen tree as a plaything, demonstrating innovative thinking to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Cultivates a mindset of looking for creative solutions when faced with challenges, useful in both academic and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the children work together to create different imaginative scenarios, highlighting the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Promotes collaborative skills and teaches children the benefits of working with others to achieve common goals.