Rumble Thumble Boom! - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- During a storm, a young boy and his dog, Hercules, are afraid of the thunder, and none of the explanations of the loud noises given in the past by various family members are of any comfort. After trying unsuccessfully to escape the rumblings by hiding under the bed, they run to the boy's parents, who agree to take them into their bed--if Hercules stays on top of the sheets. The boy insists that his pet is still anxious, so the four of them move to the old sofa bed, are tucked into old sheets and, finally, are all cozy. While Hines's dark illustrations done in colored pencil on black paper are quite different from much of her previous work, the muted tones of the artwork reinforce the story's mood and setting. Also, the artwork, which combines elements of realism and impressionism, incorporates the sounds of thunder in large colored letters above the text as a part of the illustration. These colorful effects enhance the book's use for storytelling either with a group or with a single child. With its gentle humor and comforting text, Rumble Thumble Boom! addresses a common fear, and is a good addition to picture-book collections. --Andrew W. Hunter, Pub . Lib . of Charlotte and Mecklenburg, Charlotte, NC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Set against inky black pages, Hines's beguiling tale resonates with the charged atmosphere of a thunderstorm. Even though a frightened lad recalls that "Grandpa says it's all the people in heaven playing ninepins," the youngster and his dog come down with chronic insomnia as the thunder crashes outside. Indeed, deep-toned onomatopoetic words tumble across these pages above white text--"Rumble grumble"; "Crackety Boom!"; "Doom-ka-Bloomm!!" After amusing familial negotatiation, a cozy foursome beds down together; pooch and boy find solace at last, but now Mommy and Daddy have second thoughts. Written in the first person, this upbeat story endearingly expresses a youngster's fears and wiles, as the narrator transfers his trepidation to Hercules: " 'It's me and Hercules,' I say. 'He's afraid of the thunder.' " Hines's darkly realistic, colored-pencil illustrations, highlighted with rich reds and purples, evoke the storm's menace while retaining a cozy indoors mood. Children may well recognize themselves in this towheaded scamp, and might just overcome a few fears of their own while rolling these rumbling noises trippingly off their tongues. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.