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 just 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 in a world turned gray. Mica Mouse is soothed by the story and Papa’s gentle reminder that even though bad things sometimes happen, the world is full of people who care.
In his first children’s book, longtime Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton gives us an engaging resource to help children express their feelings and navigate through difficult experiences. The “Take a Deeper Look” page at the end of the book even provides discussion questions to facilitate a healing dialogue.
Hardcover: 32-page, 8.5x11, full color illustrations
Publisher: Reading Rainbow (Oct. 7, 2014) ISBN: 978-0990539506
Age: 5-7 years
By LeVar Burton and Susan Schaefer Bernardo
Illustrated by Courtenay Fletcher
Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs is a beautiful picture book with a simple but powerful message: love lasts forever. Lyrical writing and delightful illustrations provide perfect bedtime reading for any child. The book is also ideal for supporting children through grief, separation anxiety, divorce, illness or other traumatic situations, by wrapping them in a warm and comforting emotional security blanket and opening a dialogue on the nature of love. Even when loved ones cannot be with us, we can feel their presence through our deep connections to the natural world.
Hardcover: 32-page, 9x12, full color illustrations
Published: November, 2012 ISBN: 978-0971122819
Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs is now on Reading Rainbow, ranked as the #1 Education App! Download the FREE Reading Rainbow app now.
By Susan Schaefer Bernardo
Illustrated by Courtenay Fletcher
