THE STORM by Akiko Miyakoshi. Tonawanda, NY:  Kids Can Press, 2016. 32p. ISBN 978-177138-5596 hc. $16.95. Originally published in Japan in 2009.  PreS - Gr. 2    E PIC

Told in first person narrative, this story is about a young boy who's been waiting all week to go to the beach with his family.  However, on Friday, his teacher announces the imminent arrival of a large weather system that may change plans for a beach day.  As the family prepares for the storm, which arrives with more ferocity than expected, the narrator tries not show his fear.  Finally sleep overtakes him and he dreams of adventures at sea.  The next day is bright and sunny and "Perfect for a day at the beach!"  As readers turn the page, they are rewarded with blue sky after a whole book of grey charcoal drawings that set the ominous, anxious tone of the story. Watch for the grey striped cat that appears on almost every page of this beautifully drawn and simply written story.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI