The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, Paperback
“Together, we can weather any storm.”
Big or small, we are all vulnerable during traumatic times – but together, with love and creativity, we can weather any storm. That’s the inspiration behind The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, a resource to help children talk about the “storms” in their own lives and to remind everyone to look for the helpers.
When little Mica Mouse is scared by thunder booming outside her cozy home, Papa Mouse reaches for just the right story to comfort her. Hugging her close, he begins to read The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm. In this poetic book-within-a-book, a happy little rhinoceros is overwhelmed by a storm that sweeps away everything he loves. Swallowing the storm makes him feel worse, so Rhino sets off on a whimsical journey toward healing. Along the way, he meets many friends, including a kind spider, a brave kangaroo, a wise tortoise, and an uplifting whale.
With their help, Rhino lets go of the storm inside and learns to see the light once again…and Mica Mouse is soothed by the story and her Papa’s gentle reminder that even though bad things sometimes happen, the world is full of people who care.
At the end of the book, there are discussion questions to facilitate a healing dialogue. Stories have the power to make difficult issues more approachable, giving parents and their children a safe haven to discuss feelings and emotions that might otherwise be hard to express.
LeVar Burton
Actor, director, and educator
LeVar Burton has been an icon for more than 40 years. In 1977, the TV miniseries ROOTS propelled 19-year-old Burton onto the world stage with his unforgettable performance as Kunta Kinte. As Star Trek: The Next Generation’s blind chief engineer Geordi La Forge, Burton reminded audiences that it’s not our disabilities but our contributions to society that define us. His 31 years as host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow, however, inspired Burton’s greatest legacy, his lifelong commitment to advocating for the importance of literacy and reading to generations of children. Visit www.LevarBurton.com
Award-winning creative team Susan Schaefer Bernardo and Courtenay Fletcher created their first book Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs to help children deal with separation and loss. They’ve partnered on three additional picture books, The Big Adventures of Tiny House, The Artist Who Loved Cats and Besos de sol, abrazos de luna, the bilingual edition of their first book. Susan is also a published poet and the author of the YA novelInspired. They both live in California and frequently speak to children and adults on the topics of bibliotherapy, social-emotional arts, and the healing power of creative expression.
Reviews:
This beautifully illustrated book offers a strong, uplifting message to children about love, hope, and weathering life's storms…Most children have experienced some sense of loss, fear, or trauma in their lives and this book helps to convey that it is natural during those times to feel sad, alone or overwhelmed. The story conveys, very movingly, that love, faith, and the kindness of others can help us through difficult times. I especially love that Little Rhino relies on both himself and others to weather his storm and that he comes through it feeling optimistic about the world and his future. This book could be helpful to any child who is experiencing a loss or major change in life. I highly recommend it! – M.W.