Excellent Children's Book About Hurricane Betsy
Review of Tree House in a Storm, by Rachelle Burk
Aug 12, 2009
It's 1965 in New Orleans. Seven-year old Kenny and his six-year old sister Allison build a tree house in their back yard. The tree house becomes their fort and they become king and queen. In it they play without invasion from grownups; they enjoy the hot summers and sip limonade under the branches to escape the heat... nothing can lure them down, not even delicious peanut butter and sliced banana sandwiches.
All is fine until one terrible day when a monster attacks them: Hurricane Betsy. Together with their parents, Kenny and Allison must evacuate immediately. Kenny is afraid for his tree house, so before they go to the shelter, he gets his tools and puts some extra nails into the boards. Then they stay in the shelter until it's safe to go back home. However, nothing prepares the children to what they see when they get back home...
Years pass and the story moves to the present, where Kenny, now a grown man, builds another tree house, this time for his sons.
Tree House in a Storm: The Evaluation
This is a lovely story about the loss and grief that kids experience during a natural disaster. It teaches children step by step what happens during a hurricane, and also how to acknowlege feelings of fear and sadness. Interestingly, the story is told from the point of view of Kenny's son. The writing, as well as the beautiful, softly colored illustrations, have a traditional feel to them. The ending has a melancholic, quiet tone. The issue of loss is handled well, so while the tale is sad at times, it is also uplifting. Tree House in a Storm would make a perfect book for class discussion on not only hurricanes but other types of natural disasters.
A teacher's guide and book-related activities are available from the author's website.
About Rachelle Burk:
Rachelle Burk writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children which has appeared in national magazines such as Highlights, Scholastic Scope, and Pockets. She visits schools and libraries as an author and storyteller. She is also a popular children's entertainer, performing as Tickles the Clown and other characters for parties, schools, and other events.
To other children's writers, she offers critique and editing services. In a parallel universe, Rachelle is a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in crisis intervention, and a member of the East Brunswick Rescue Squad. Visit her website at rachelleburk.com.
About Illustrator Rex Schneider:
Rex Schneider has illustrated seven books, including I’m Nobody! Who are You?, The Wide-Mouthed Frog, and most recently The Art of Moving Picture Posters from Stemmer House Publishers. He pursues his loves of story telling and gardening from his Blue Mouse Studio in Michigan.
Read more: http://picture-books.suite101.com/article.cfm/interview_with_rachelle_burk#ixzz0O079HoUM
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