Addressing the fears children have of severe weather is a parenting rite of passage, and this book tackles astraphobia with a small dog named Rosie.
“Although Rosie was a small dog, she was usually very brave—just like the boy she knew best.” She isn’t afraid of tigers or orangutans or garbage collectors or even fire trucks. Not even of shadows at night. But, like many dogs (and children), she is afraid of thunder. An approaching storm sends the pup scurrying under rugs and inside a sock. Illustrator Salerno creates a breezy, retro feel reminiscent of classic Curious George illustrations. Broad brush strokes and scratchy textures in a subdued palette convey energy and emotion as the storm approaches. Sounds are written in enormous angry type across the pages. Like a parent comforting a child, the young boy tries to help his frightened dog. He tries treats and singing and even imagination to explain the noise away. Nothing helps. As a last resort, the boy takes little Rosie to a safe place and curls up on his bed with the dog. And they wait for the storm to pass, together. As there is no logical way to explain away fears, facing frightening things with someone you love is the best remedy out there.
Though not particularly creative, this back-to-basics approach will appeal to straightforward, no-nonsense thinkers—and who is going to refuse a little comfort? (Picture book. 4-8)