Zap! Clap! Boom!

The Story of a Thunderstorm

Bloomsbury

Written by Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrated by Elly MacKay

2023

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Explore the life cycle of a thunderstorm in this informative and engaging picture book.
Morning's calm. Outside is still. A blue-forever day until . . .
The real beginning of a thunderstorm happens long before the first raindrop falls.
No rain yet. It's just a threat-
a rising cloud, a towering plume, then . . .
Follow along as the weather changes, from a blue-sky day to a brewing storm, from a brewing storm to a dazzling downpour, and from a dazzling downpour to the breathtaking moment when the sky emits a-
ZAP! CLAP! BOOM!
Laura Purdie Salas's dynamic text and Elly MacKay's vibrant art offer the perfect introduction to the science of weather and the forces that work together to create a storm. The next time nature puts on a dramatic thunder and lightning show, readers will be ready to find a cozy spot near a window and watch the storm unfold.
An author's note delves deeper into the science of thunderstorms.

* Blueberry Honor Book

Starred Review - “The fluid, rhyming text offers some basic facts about thunderstorms; the well-researched back matter presents a more detailed account . . . McKay's illustrations beautifully capture both the changing weather phenomena and the children's reactions. An informative read-aloud choice for home or classroom.” —Booklist

“MacKay's intricate layered-paper illustrations capture the way the storm touches every part of the island . . . Salas's onomatopoeic verse conveys both the ferocity of a thunderstorm and the wonder it can inspire; it begs to be read aloud.” —The Horn Book

“The buildup and arrival of a wild thunderstorm offers both eye-widening drama and lessons in atmospheric phenomena . . . A crashing success.” —Kirkus Reviews