Thunderland, written and illustrated by Maggie Edkins Willis. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"This storm is so much 
bigger and stronger than me. 
         I wish and wish 
    but it won't go away. 
It doesn't care if I'm scared. 

But my dad? 
He isn't afraid of storms at all." 

A small child, terrified of thunderstorms, is thrown into the middle of one. The noise, the light, the pouring-down rain are evident as she and her small dog watch from the window as the storm wails around them. In first-person voice, she announces to her canine pal and readers what it is about storms that she finds so frightful. The cracks, crashes, and rumbles often her make flee for safety under the kitchen sink. 

Her dad is not afraid. He looks in all the obvious places trying to find her; then offers a chance to go to Thunderland with him. The little one wants to know more. Her dad says it's magic, and that he will be right there beside her the entire time. It takes some convincing. Still uncertain, she follows him to a tent he has constructed which houses her favorite stuffies, a flashlight, some snacks, games, pillows and a blanket. She even brings her book. 

They can see the storm right in front of their eyes. Dad explains that getting to Thunderland needs the storm. Dad explains the game, giving instructions about their response to the noises happening outside. When rumbles rumble, they will rumble louder! When the storm roars, they will be even louder. Once the child has calmed down, she and her father have a quiet conversation about the storm, its name, and where it's headed next. 

Being snuggled up in Thunderland with her dad makes her feel all right. They help each other be brave just as the storm begins to lose strength and the sun shines once more. It's a bit sad to realize that, with the sunshine, Thunderland disappears. As they go outside to say goodbye, they know they will spend their next storm back in Thunderland.  

Digital artwork fills the book with striking illustrations of the storm, its sound and fury, the cozy comfort of the fort Dad has constructed to keep them safe. The expressive faces and the confidence that builds as they defy the storm offers many chances to stop for discussion as the story is shared. Knowing that Thunderland is an option the next time a storm rolls around is uplifting.