Reviews

PreS-Gr 2 Paintings in icy blue-white, black, and brown illustrate this story of a young black boy, his grandfather, and their cat during a fearsome thunder storm. There is a power failure, so that there is nothing to do except talk. Whatever fears the boy has are quelled by his grandfather's wit, understand ing, and a comforting story. This is a picture book of contrastthe raging storm without, the calm within as the grandfather shares the fear he had as a youngster during a similar storm when he accidently left his puppy outside. Stolz' poetic language is powerful, packed with vivid imagery and ono matopoeic verse from the ``thunder like mountains blowing up'' to the ``ping'' of the living room clock. The balance of the text is comprised of relaxed, unhur ried dialogue. The pictures contrast the strong use of dark shadows and the soft light which illuminates the warmth in side the house. Best read aloud, but don't wait for a storm. Marianne Pilla, Long Beach Public Library, N.Y.

Because a fierce storm has put out the lights, Thomas's grandfather says, ``I shall have to tell you a tale of when I was a boy.'' But Grandfather's story about his dog Melvin is prefaced by 18 pages that focus instead on Thomas's loving relationship with the peppery old man. The discursive, gentle text reflects Thomas's thoughts about sounds and memories. He wonders about the differences between grandfathers and boyshe has ``a chin as smooth as a peach'' while Grandfather has ``a voice like a tuba.'' He and his grandfather listen to the sound of rain that clatters ``on the tin roof like a million tacks,'' and, finally, Grandfather tells his story of ``how fear does strange things to people.'' Cummings's electric-blue palette is almost overwhelming in its intensity, but it beautifully captures the dance of night shadows with golden light. Ages 5-8. (March)

"Thomas, a young [African-American] child, and his grandfather are alone one stormy night when the lights go off. Thomas says he is not afraid but when he asks for a story, Grandfather tells about a time when he was very scared indeed. With striking artwork and words as mesmerizing as the art, this story about the nature of fear and human nature is wonderful." --"Booklist