afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
I am the storm gives kids a way to talk about their feeling about storms. This gorgeous picture book looks at the many ways kids and their families handle disaster and fear. Good conversation starter about fear and also about taking back your own power.
cacia's review against another edition
2.0
The concept — depicting resilience during storms — is a good one. The illustrations are lovely. Seeing families weathering a variety of storms and then cleaning up after them resonated with me and probably will with a lot of people, since everyone has been through some sort of storm or natural disaster.
The sentiment "I am the storm" did not resonate with me, however. Honestly, it seems ridiculous. You are the destructive force that is sweeping through your world and imperiling the lives and livelihoods of your family, friends, and neighbors? Um, no.
"I am strong like the storm. I am resilient; I can withstand it; I too can be a force in my world." That I could get, and that is I think what the gist of the message here is supposed to be. But the sentiment given here is not fully elaborated like that; the most elaboration it gets is on the last few pages as "I am the storm. I am fierce like the hurricane" (or strong, or wild, like the tornado or blizzard or wildfire; I've already returned the book to the library, or I'd quote it verbatim).
Illustrating resilience through storms to reassure a child is beneficial, and for children who already appreciate the grandeur of storms, this book may be perfectly sufficient; but logical or especially sensitive children may find the sentiment insulting or may have questions even when they grasp the metaphor, since not everyone wants to embody the ferocity of a life-taking disaster.
2.5 stars
The sentiment "I am the storm" did not resonate with me, however. Honestly, it seems ridiculous. You are the destructive force that is sweeping through your world and imperiling the lives and livelihoods of your family, friends, and neighbors? Um, no.
"I am strong like the storm. I am resilient; I can withstand it; I too can be a force in my world." That I could get, and that is I think what the gist of the message here is supposed to be. But the sentiment given here is not fully elaborated like that; the most elaboration it gets is on the last few pages as "I am the storm. I am fierce like the hurricane" (or strong, or wild, like the tornado or blizzard or wildfire; I've already returned the book to the library, or I'd quote it verbatim).
Illustrating resilience through storms to reassure a child is beneficial, and for children who already appreciate the grandeur of storms, this book may be perfectly sufficient; but logical or especially sensitive children may find the sentiment insulting or may have questions even when they grasp the metaphor, since not everyone wants to embody the ferocity of a life-taking disaster.
2.5 stars
left_unsupervised's review against another edition
3.0
I had big expectations for this one, because I felt like the title was very powerful. It is a good look into what activities can occur during a storm. Passing time is different for everyone so it opened my eyes to some possibilities.
inkygirl's review against another edition
5.0
"I am the storm. And when the storm passes, as it always does, I am the calm, too." Beautifully illustrated, lyrical and moving text. This gorgeous picture book would be a perfect read for children who are anxious about storms, but there are also so many opportunities for deeper discussions about personal empowerment.
heisereads's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful! An important message about the strength we all hold inside us to withstand the storms and that storms do pass. Backmatter adds details about each type of storm featured in the book (tornado, blizzard, wildfire, hurricane).
books_plan_create's review against another edition
5.0
Love the text, love the luscious pictures, love the diversity, and love the strength.
zepysgirl's review against another edition
3.0
The art was very pretty. Not sure I'm on board with the message, though.
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
Great look at natural disasters (tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires, and hurricanes) for grades K & up. My favorite line, "It's okay to be scared. Nature is strong and powerful. But, I am strong and powerful, too." Highly recommended!!
little_silver's review against another edition
3.0
Have a young child in your life who experiences a fear of severe weather? This book covers tornadoes, blizzards, wild fires, and hurricanes. While the affirming message of togetherness and strength is well-done, it might be too varnished for older kids who have seen devastating results either in images or in real life. For example, the book shows neighbors helping each other clean up but the houses are all still standing.