Thunderstorm
Dancing by Katrina Germein & Judy
Watson (Allen &
Unwin)
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781743314593
Reviewed by Yvonne Mess
From the lyrical, flowing language to the gorgeous
illustrations, this was a sumptuous read. A little girl is worried about an
approaching thunder storm which soon breaks into full force. The storm is
gleefully received by her family. Each family member represents a part of the
storm;
‘Lachlie
is the lightning
flicking
and flashing
tricking
and dashing
crackling
zap!
sizzling
snap!’
The use of lyrical language, with its alliteration
and internal rhyme make for an exciting and poetic text.
The girl’s anxiety is the thread that runs through
the story, though in the end she adds in her own unique way to the family’s exuberance
and delight in the weather.
The illustrations show lively playful characters
full of charisma including the family pets. The brushstrokes and line work are
loose and fluid. I loved the complementary shades of green and red sustained
throughout and the cute end papers.
The illustrations not only complement the text, but extend it. Each family member is depicted in turn as larger than life natural phenomena to suit the mood of the scene.
There is a wonderful sense of a loving family which
consists of parents, a set of grandparents, and three children. You get the
sense that perhaps the family is visiting the grandparents at their seaside
home, or the family is on holiday together but most of all how much they enjoy
each other’s company.
What could be considered as a quiet story is swept
up in the noise of the storm and the family fun it generates.
Yvonne
Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are
scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com
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