My two year old LOVED this book!
We read a lot of poetry and nursery rhymes anyhow, so perhaps he's more used to the sort of abstract rhythm that is used in this story. The illustrations are a wonderful use of mixed media.
Fantastic! Would definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves verse or those who need a little help getting through a scary thunderstorm.

SUMMARY: "Tap tap/ Boom Boom/ Crackle-boom/ Got a storm, big storm in bloom, here soon." A big storm is coming in New York City and people are scrambling for shelter. Many congregate in the subway station. They make friends, share pizza and stay warm and cozy. After the storm, everyone says their goodbyes and goes back outside to a big surprise.

ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created in mixed media of photographs,gouache and pencil. They are quite unique, very colorful, and highly detailed. The pictures give a sense of enjoyment even in the midst of a big storm.

THE GOOD: My first thought when reading this story is that I felt I had been transported to a Beatnik club, listening to a poetry reading while bongos played in the background. The poetry of this book lends itself very well to being played alongside drums or other classroom instruments. I felt the progression of the storm from the first raindrops, to the crashing outside while everyone was cozy inside, and finally to the end of the storm. I loved how the people stood together, and in a friendly manner, waited out the storm together. The characters were all extremely likeable and caring. This would be a lovely rainy day book to read.
THE NOT AS GOOD: I don't believe this abstract kind of poetry would lend itself well to the preschool and under crowd nor keep their interest.

AGE RECOMMENDATION: Grades k-2. It would especially be a great book to be used in an elementary music classroom while children played different instruments to the words such as drums, maracas, and tambourines.

A fun story in rhyme to read. Have the children say with you "tap tap boom boom"

It's a busy afternoon in the city when the first "tap tap" of raindrops signals a coming downpour. Soon the rain begins to pelt, and the resounding "boom crackle-BOOM" of thunder sends everyone scurrying into the subway for shelter, where soggy strangers become friends, sharing music, pizza, and umbrellas as they wait out the storm. Snappy verse and lively mixed-media illustrations add read-aloud appeal to this upbeat tale of urban community.

Picture books May 2014 newsletter