Thunder Cake
Author and Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
Year of Publication: 1990
Genre: Children Picture Book
Horn Book Rating: 2
Summary: Patrica Polacco tells the story of how her Babushka (grandmother) helped her face her fears that she had about thunder.
Summary of Professional Reviews: In Thunder Cake the Russian Folk art adds on well with the Russian culture the character in the book share. This book brings a fun side of thunder and a positive way of facing children's fears. Children can relate to this young girl and her fears or love around her.
Review by Janelouise Fuscellaro:
I read this story with my grandmother and remember how much fun we had making the cake afterwords. This story, with the recipe in the back, will hopefully bring family's together. I enjoyed the Russian/Ukrainian culture within the story as well. The story teaches children to be brave and has a great storyline. The pictures are also great alongside the text.
This book would be useful when teaching…
This book would be helpful to read on a rainy day. Some children in the classroom may still be scared of thunder. A great way of dealing with these fears would be what Polacco's Babushka did. The teacher could read the story then students could talk about why they are braver than thunder.
On another aspect, some schools have grandparents week or day. This would be another great story to share, a bonding grandmother and granddaughter.
Summary of Professional Reviews: In Thunder Cake the Russian Folk art adds on well with the Russian culture the character in the book share. This book brings a fun side of thunder and a positive way of facing children's fears. Children can relate to this young girl and her fears or love around her.
Review by Janelouise Fuscellaro:
I read this story with my grandmother and remember how much fun we had making the cake afterwords. This story, with the recipe in the back, will hopefully bring family's together. I enjoyed the Russian/Ukrainian culture within the story as well. The story teaches children to be brave and has a great storyline. The pictures are also great alongside the text.
This book would be useful when teaching…
This book would be helpful to read on a rainy day. Some children in the classroom may still be scared of thunder. A great way of dealing with these fears would be what Polacco's Babushka did. The teacher could read the story then students could talk about why they are braver than thunder.
On another aspect, some schools have grandparents week or day. This would be another great story to share, a bonding grandmother and granddaughter.