As the news travels across the farm, the animals fear the worst. Who is this terrifying creature named Storm? Huddled in the barn, the animals anxiously wait for his arrival. But when the sky gets darker, growling fiercely and flashing bright lights, the animals are relieved. The sky must be trying to protect them by scaring away Storm! Young children will relish the simple humor of this farm tale, made all the more delightful through its dynamic, expressive illustrations. reSchool-Grade 1--"Storm is coming!" the old farmer bellows to Dog and in cumulative style, Dog warns the sheep who warn Duck who tells the cows. Huddled in the barn, the frightened animals inform Cat of the news. Laconically, Cat asks "And who is Storm?" which sets young readers up for the personification that follows. The lookout Duck reports that it's getting dark but Dog points out that dark is good because Storm can't find them. The wind will blow Storm away, the rain will camouflage the animal tracks, and lightning and thunder will scare him for sure. Since Storm never comes, Cat can go back to sleep. Spengler's pleasantly rounded cartoon creatures, rendered in cheerfully colored pastels, look appropriately concerned but clueless in contrast to the unflappable cat, and the farmer obviously loves his animals. It's a reassuring story for young listeners anxiously awaiting a storm and a good tale for those who are beyond all that and can laugh at the animals' silly misunderstandings. Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Dr. Schifini assists schools across the nation and around the world in developing comprehensive language and literacy programs for English learners. He has worked as an ESL teacher, reading specialist, school administrator and university professor. Through an arrangement with California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, Dr. Schifini currently serves as program consultant to two large teacher-training efforts in the area of reading for second language speakers of English. His research interests include early literacy and language development and the integration of language and content-area instruction. Used Book in Good Condition