Congratulations & Book Review: BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! by Jamie A. Swenson
Tamera WIll WissingerI’m delighted to celebrate today’s release of Jamie A. Swenson’s debut picture book BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! It’s the story of a young boy whose cozy night in bed during a storm is disrupted by a variety of frightened visitors. It’s wonderful to be able to hold a copy of this book in my hands, (I picked up my copy at the bookstore this morning!) and I want to wish my dear writing friend, Jamie, a wonderful release day and many good wishes for the success of her book.
REVIEW: BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! by Jamie A. Swenson
▪ Picture Book, 32 pages, Ages: 4-8
▪ Arriving May 28, 2013 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
▪ Available wherever books are sold
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! by Jamie A. Swenson gives children a way to navigate the storm, both literally and figuratively.
Thunderstorms can be scary at any age, and in BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!, Jamie A. Swenson takes a look at one young boy’s thoughtful way of helping his friends when they’re afraid of a storm. She handles the fear with a combination of first person matter-of-fact narration, wit, energy, and rhythmic language that introduces a cast of unlikely friends and ultimately puts the storm in its place – all within the constraint of a short picture book text. As a bonus, there is an engaging counting element as the situation in the snug bed escalates from scene to scene. With soft colors and humorous nonverbal cues, the charming illustrations by David Walker offer anticipation and reassurance throughout the story.
On a deeper level, I think this story is really about navigating in the world. Swenson begins; “One stormy night, I jumped into bed. Safe with a book and my bear named Fred.” Even though the storm has already begun, this brave little narrator shows no fear, and not once throughout the text does he flinch from the flash of lightening or crack of thunder that occurs in nearly every scene. As a result, the MC offers young children a strong role model for how they might wish to react in similar circumstances – When all of the others around him are frightened and in need of comfort, this main character is calm and welcoming. (Until finally, not directly related to the storm, he reaches his limit!) What a strong (yet subtle) message for the youngest readers – even when faced with something scary and we might feel afraid, we don’t have to act afraid! Come to think of it: what a powerful message for any age.
Well done, Jamie! Again, Congratulations! I’m so happy that BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! is now on shelves!
Here are links to Jamie online:
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