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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Hurricane, written and illustrated by John Rocco. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2021. $22.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The next morning is silent. 
The wind stopped roaring, 
and my window stopped rattling. 
I grab my gear and rush outside. 

I almost don't recognize my neighborhood. 
It was like a giant, angry monster stomped 
through it.
"

The young boy who narrates this story loves nothing more than the dock where he fishes, swims, catches critters, and peacefully watches the water below him. It is old and rickety; he is its only visitor. When he gets home from his day at the dock, his father is boarding up their house's windows. He lets his son know the forecast warns of a coming hurricane. 

As the wind roars and the rain 'slashes sideways as if shot from a fire hose', the boy watches with concern. He dreams about what might appear near the dock following the storm. He doesn't have long to wait. As he heads out the following morning, he is astonished at the damage done to his street ... and his dock! It is gone and he needs help to put it back together. No one has time to help as they have their repair own work to do. He offers them his help. Following that and determined to rebuild, he gathers all he will need. It is a daunting task; is he up to it? Time will tell. 

Mr. Rocco's story is told in straightforward text, accompanied by outstanding, realistic artwork that is sure to interest and engage young readers. Perspectives change in response to the ongoing action. Endpapers up the interest by describing how a hurricane forms prior to the story's start, and ending with a clear description of the parts of a dock.   

A note from the author, at age 6, is included: 

To Mom and dad

I have gone fishing.

I will come back with 

a fish  LoveJohn

P.S. I hope I will 

come back with a fish."
                                                                                    


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