«Autumn is such a wonderful season and this book celebrates all that is special about it. In Storm we meet a little boy who is looking for his kite so that he can fly it with his Grandad. The only problem is that they can't find it! We join the pair as they explore the house looking for their kite and on the way they stumble across many objects, each of which brings up lots of precious memories to share. They reminise about the time they played cricket and the day they used a telescope to find a cave and have a picnic.Eventually they find the kite and venture out into the holing blustery day to make new memories. This book is a beautiful look into a special relationship between a Grandad and his Grandson and one I'm sure we will be reading very often»

Books for Boys

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We've already enjoyed Rain, Sun and Snow so Sam Usher's latest (and, regrettably, last) picture book about a boy and his grandad in really stormy weather is especially welcome this autumn!

When the boy wakes up and looks out of the window he can see the autumn leaves flying up in the air, and hear his window rattling with the fierce wind. As ever in these books, he's keen to get his grandad to take him outside to enjoy the weather, and they decide their kite is just what they need, BUT where did they put it? All kinds of other things emerge as they search for it, and bring back memories of other seasons and other adventures, but the kite is well tucked away. When they do eventually find it off they go to the park, where they have a wonderful time flying it. Once they're back home they sit down and agree that adventures are best when they're shared.

As in the earlier books, the boy tells the story, but as his grandad never addresses him by name we never learn who he is. This of course means he could be any child being read to, or reading, the book. Grandad himself is pictured as an elderly, friendly character, who is always ready to engage with his grandson, and enjoy an adventure with him.
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In each of the books Usher creates an experience that will be familiar to readers, but there's always something which makes it a little bit extra-exciting, even slightly scary, but with a comfortable resolution, with both the boy and his grandad sitting down in the kitchen having a drink and discussing their day.
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Usher's illustrations are full of life - we really feel the gusty wind - and we can spot many details in each spread which will be familiar to young readers both at home and outdoors. There's plenty of discussion to be had from what we can spot on every page. There are also items which will be familiar to those who have read other books in this wonderful series. More weather/seasons please Sam Usher!

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Armadillo

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A colourful book
following the
relationship of
a boy and his
grandad on their
adventures with
a kite.

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Creative Steps

«This final installment in Sam Usher's seasonal quartet of books is a fitting finish, full of energy, drama and atmospheric artwork.»

Books with Baby

«As the fallen leaves swirl in the blustery wind, what better time to curl up with the final title in Sam Usher's seasonal weather quartet. It's blowy enough to fly a kite, but the excited little boy first has to wait for his grandad to find it. In doing so, they uncover a cricket bat, a letter and a telescope that remind them of previous expeditions they have enjoyed. Finally, They set off to the park where they fly high in the sky with fiery Chinesedragons and majestic blue whales as their own little kite gets caught up in a billowing cloud of colour and shapes. Though there are references to previous adventures in the series (the other titles are Snow, Rain and Sun), this works wonderfully as a standalone book, Its beautifully illustrated, bursting with imagination and has at its heart a touching relationship.»

Daily Mail

«This is a truly beautiful picture book with wonderful illustrations that make the story leap across the pages. Another grandparent/grandchild delight.»

Angels and Urchins

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This is a nice, simple story that features the seasons - Rain, Sun and Snow are earlier titles by author and illustrator Sam Usher.

A boy and his grandad decide it is perfect weather to fly a kit but they can't seem to find the kite. As they search through their house, they come across other objects which bring back nice memories for them. Finally they find the kite and set off on an adventure!

While the story is quite simple, the book includes some lovely, detailed pictures which definitely add to the story. Young children would enjoy it being read to them.

Storm - together with Usher's earlier titles - could be used to discuss seasons with younger children as it includes lots of elements of autumnal weather. Since the boy and his grandfather also feature in the other books, their close relationship could prompt discussions of special relationships the children might have with grandparents or other members of their family.

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Lucy Newton, Reading Zone