Storm

By Claire Saxby & Jess Racklyeft

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

These two talented creators have collaborated again to create a wonderful evocation of a storm at sea. Previous works reviewed in StoryLinks include Volcano and Tree, but they both have an impressive list of titles, either going solo or working with other people. I recommend exploring their websites (see bottom of post).

In Storm words and pictures are used for maximum effect – starting with the first indications that a storm is coming and how this effects animals in the vicinity and then building up the force and power of a major storm event, finally ending with the aftermath.

Claire is careful to avoid the cliches so often used when describing a storm: It begins with a puff. Then another. A flutter, a ripple, a shiver shows where it blows. She uses alliteration, internal rhyme and powerful descriptors to create memorable images: fat raindrops plit and plop. The wind is alive. It flings and slings rain at the land, at the sea. Waves gouge; wind shatters.

Jess has created powerful images including a magnificent fold out double page spread to show the storm at its height. She shows the eagle above and the fish below, the plovers in the storm-thrashed bay getting ready to build a new nest. She contrasts the big wide seascape with the intimate close ups of the birds and other little creatures all affected by the storm, using the many glorious colours of sea and  sky.

Children will enjoy exploring the words and pictures here and begin to understand how natural forces affect every living creature. There is a short note to the reader at the end explaining how storms develop which concludes with a brief mention of the effects of increased global temperatures and rising sea levels.

Recommended for ages 5 – 8

Teaching resources

A & U Children 2026

Claire Saxby

Jess Racklyeft