A Voice in the Storm

Although Rat is miserable, she is reluctant to talk when her friend, Jackdaw, offers to listen. Instead, she rushes out into the storm, running away from both friends and those who might harm her. At last, she crashes into something solid - Bear. Compassionate and thoughtful, Bear encourages Rat to talk and be ‘a voice in the storm’, growling and roaring into the weather above them. Rat confesses how she has been feeling lately and Bear wisely reassures her, saying it takes a lot of courage to ask for help, but even more to let others help. Bear takes Rat home where, at last, Rat feels able to talk to Jackdaw.

Perfect for sharing, ‘A Voice in the Storm’ is a powerful story which sensitively explores how overwhelming feelings can be and the importance of accepting support from others. As Bear says, ‘Those who care will always want to listen.’

Shades of lavender, green and blue are used throughout the book. Grey is introduced in the early pages, echoing Rat’s darker feelings as she struggles to escape her inner storm by racing off into the stormy weather. As she shares her feeling with Bear, pinks and lilacs appear reflecting a release of tension as well as the fresh, clear colours after a heavy storm. This use of colour is one of the many interesting elements of this book, sure to provoke discussion and reflection, proving once more that picture books are not just for the very young!

Initially, Rat runs in an attempt to escape her feelings, a recognisable reaction, opening the way for plenty of discussion. The story also encourages empathy- Jackdaw tries to encourage Rat to talk and may well feel rejected and upset by her reaction. With older children, using role play activities and other drama techniques to explore the situation allows them to see the situation from both sides, valuing and recognising the feelings of each.

At one point, when faced with Snake, Rat almost gives in and steps into Snake’s open jaws before fleeing. This and the text What did Rat almost do, and why did she do it?’ suggest that, at this point of the story, Rat was having suicidal thoughts. Of course, this could be framed as making poor decisions when feeling this vulnerable and confused, but adults need to be aware of this and handle discussions at this point with care- and perhaps some expert advice.

Gorgeous illustrations, deeply poignant.

A Voice in the Storm

Karl James Mountford

Walker ISBN: 978-1529502589

Ten-Word Tiny Tales

There are some books which are an absolute gift to teachers- and this is one of them! Captured in these pages in endless inspiration and story-telling joy, showing how creative ideas can bloom from any tiny seed. Each spread shows a ten-word story, brilliantly illustrated by one of the ‘friends’ who helped Joseph create this book. Those ten words are enough to open a world of possibilities, expanded by the picture as the reader seeks to explain, develop and satisfy their curiosity about what is happening. Some are sinister, some surreal, all are sure to ignite the imagination, develop conversation and inspire the next generation of storytellers!

One of my favourites is Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s illustrations for the tale: We buried her on Wednesday, again on Thursday, and Friday. So many details to enjoy and explore- and what a tale to tell! Shuan Tan’s contribution shows a family decorating their son’s skull whilst Dena Seiferling’s is full of beautifully mysterious butterfly-like creatures. It is a complete joy to explore each spread, both for the tale and for the illustration.

Advice from Joseph is included at the end of the book to inspire readers to create their own ten-word tales, to have a go at illustrating and to develop the tales included in the book into longer stories. As a teacher, I have used Chris Van Allsburg’s very wonderful ‘The Mysteries of Harris Burdick’ with classes many times, which always results in fabulous writing, full of imagination and energy and I can see this collection being every bit as exciting and inspiring. The variety of illustrators used here means a wider range of styles, perhaps appealing to a wider range of readers- something for everyone!

Just wonderful!

Ten-Word Tiny Tales

Joseph Coelho and Friends

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529502688