Betsy Ross By Peter and Connie Roop

I bought this book on a trip to Philadelphia last summer but never got around to reading it. I toured her tiny little house while on the trip and saw the recreated things she surrounded herself with. I tell you these because I am not a fan of informational books that do not directly relate to information I am actively seeking. I taught trade books as a 5th grade teacher and had to work very hard to make them interesting to students. The fact that I visited the home Betsy Ross made the reading experience a bit more personal.
As adolescent informational books go this one was pretty good. The print is large with adequate space between words. There are several illustrations that help with visualization. Many of the pictures are of Betsy Ross but I learned from reading the book that no photographs were ever taken of her so all pictures are based on written descriptions of what she looked like.
Another interesting feature of this book is that it does not just go into every last detail about how she made the flag but it also tells her about other aspects of her life. It begins by telling us why she is a historical figure and then begins telling of her life from birth.
One of the most interesting things I learned about Betsy was that her father made her take an apprenticeship in sewing so that if she were ever widowed she could take care of herself. Sadly her parents died many years later of Yellow Fever. I also did not know that she was married three times and widowed two times and basically raised two young daughters alone. What an inspiration.

Joyful Noise By Paul Fleischman

Poems for multiple voices remind me of dark coffee house scenes in movies where artsy folks are resighting very insightful deep poems in the smokey haze. I think that makes me seem very old. I actually struggle to teach poetry because I am not a very poetic person. I enjoy reading poetry but can not create any thing of value. All of that personal information was to get to the point that I need good examples of poetry to support the teaching process.
I really enjoyed Joyful Noise. Insects are a great way to engage children The language used is beautiful as well as enriching. I learned more about insects while reading this book than I did in elementary school. Who knew Whirligig Beetles actually turn around and around. The vocabulary was so challenging and intriguing. I loved the words serpentine, tortuous, twisty, and turny. The illustrations are fabulous. I love that they are in black and white. It gives cute fun poems a touch of maturity.
The Cicadas was one of my favorite selections. The featured critters with their great big eyes won my heart. They hum and sing and buzz. How great is that?
This book is a wonderful opportunity for peoples of all ages to have fun with poetry.

Bull Run by Paul Fleischman

It took me a really long time to read this book. I like some historical books but this one did not start off great for me. As I got further along I began to really take an interest in the character Dietrich Herz. I really thought he had died when everything went black for him. Other characters were far less interesting to me.
Gideon Adams intrigued me. I thought it must be very difficult for him to conceal his identity to his comrads. I wonder how the students and their parents will handle the fact that he signs a letter "Your Wood Headed Jackass"?
I liked how the author separated the characters into North vs South on the last page of the book.
This is a wonderful book readers theater and I would bet the students would absolute love the gore and violence if they had a general idea about the battle of Bull Run prior to reading it. This would be a great pick for boys.

Begging For Change By Sharon Flake

Begging For Change is the sequel to Money Hungry, another novel I recently posted. This particular book takes us a little deeper into Raspberry's troubled life. Forced to continue to live in the projects, Raspberry's mother is attacked by a thug neighbor girl called Shikera. When Shikera is arressted for assault her friends band together to make life miserable for Raspberry adn her mother. Raspberry is also forced to consider life on her own without her mother to look after her.
Raspberry's father, a homeless drug addict, comes around multiple times and steals money from her. Each time she is deeply wounded by his betrayel.
As you would expect her mother heals and things end up working out. But is not the predictable happy endings that draw me to Flakes books. It is the insight I gain from getting this private glimpse into the lives of Raspberry and her extended family.
Flake allows me to see into a culture to learn that there is more than meets the eye. There are bad scarey people that live in the projects. There are drug addicts and thieves. There is also a strong community spirit when it comes to helping people out and looking out for the people you care about. There are people willing to go to bat for you. Friends who allow you to be yourself. I learn so much each time I read a Sharon FLake novel. Most importantly I learn to look a bit closer. I used to always say that color didn't matter to me. But it should matter in positive way. I should take time to get to know other cultures and assume we are all alike.
I look forward to reading more works from Sharon FLake.

The Westing Game By Ellen Raskin Newberry Award

Overall I would give this book two thumbs up! The beginning was intriguing and I was hooked right away to piece together the clues to discover the connection between the heirs and to identify the murderer. The last five or so chapters were also great as they pieced together the lives of the heirs. It was interesting to discover how they ultimately effected one another simply by participating in the Westing Game.
I had a feeling that Turtle would be a very important character but had trouble getting past her always kicking people.
Honestly, I got sort of lost in the middle. There were so many clues with so many variations and characters with multiple names and histories. I spent more time sorting through information than I normally do in informational texts.
I was left with one question: Who was the guy who died in the study of the Westing House? If Sandy was actually Westing and Westing died five years later, who was that?

The Van Gogh Cafe By Cynthia Rylant

This book surprised me. It was not a down home classic like the other books I recently read by Cynthia Rylant. I respect her writing far more now that I have seen the vast differences on her writing style. I was beginning to think that all she wrote about was the country and sad things.
The Van Gogh Cafe reminded me of a movie I once watched called The Majestic. Jim Carey was the star, of course. The Majestic was a theater that was believed to make good things happen until the owner's son did not return from war and the Majestic fell into disrepair. Many years pass and a young man comes to town and everyone believes he is the lost son. They believe it though they know it is not true. Come to find out he is a famous actor who was in an accident and has amnesia. Of course the Majestic opens back up and good things happen again. The actor even decides he will be the man they all thought he was though they knew he wasn't. Is that confusing enough?
The Van Gogh Cafe is very similar. The magic is in the cafe and wonderful things happen there. Wishes come true. People find what they are looking for. One night an actor shows up looking for a friend. My favorite line from the book was wishes come true if you believe they will. I think both stories I am speaking of are trying to tell us that we must believe in something and expect that it will happen.
Overall, I liked this book far better than any other Cynthia Rylant books. I am not sure at what age this would have made sense to me. The power of believing in something is a bit abstract for most students in the age group I have taught. Any thoughts?

Money Hungry By Sharon Flake

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Sharon Flake at the VSRA conference in Roanoke last week. I read her book The Skin I'm In last year when one of my students was reading it and having trouble getting into it. Her mom had bought the book for hoping that it spark a love of reading. I really enjoyed the book and was eager to read more from Sharon Flake.
I selected Money Hungry because it is a part of a sequel and the summary on the back was intriguing. I am currently selecting books for a group of students for a lunch bunch reading group and I want books with sequels or other good selections that relate to encourage reluctant readers to grab another book when we complete the group.
I sat down to read Money Hungry yesterday and did not put it down until I was finished. This was another enjoyable read by Sharon Flake.
I love the way she embraces cultural and creates her characters in real life situations with real life problems. I find it interesting that Sharon has some characters speaking with AAE (African American English) and others in SAE (Standard American English). Her characters are free of stereo typical roles and yet embrace heritage and cultural. Conflicts are solved in nonviolent ways. The most interesting aspect for me personally is that her characters are very real to life and she puts them a situation that seems very real and then allows the reader to see what most people would think (as inspired by stereo types) and then lets us see inside of the character to the reality of the situation.
In this particular book, Raspberry, is seen as greedy and money hungry because her main goal everyday is to make money. She sells things at school and works hard after school always coming up with a new plan to make money. Raspberry is desperate to make and hide money. Her friends, mother, and school staff look at her in a negative way because of this never really asking why she was so focused on money. As the story progresses we see the hardships that Raspberry and her mother face while trying to make a better life for themselves and get out of the projects. Come to find out, Raspberry is so obsessed with money because she is building a nest egg for her and her mother in case of emergency. They were homeless once and Raspberry never wants to be in that position again.
Throughout the story of Raspberry and her obsession with money we get a glimpse of her life in the community, at school, and with her friends.
Sharon Flake does a great job of allowing the reader to glimpse life in the projects. There are good neighbors who look out for one another. There are friendships bonded in such a deep way that you feel their connections. There are also dangerous situations and the need to survive.
I will be reading her second book in this series today!

Missing May By Cynthia Rylant

I really did not enjoy this book. The descriptive language was great. The characters were intriguing. My favorite scene was in the kitchen of the trailer when Summer first arrives with May and Ob. I could visualize exactly what the frig and pantry looked liked. I will definitely use that segment as an example of descriptive language in the future.
The book was just sad. It was a year of mourning May and all that her death represented to Ob and Summer. Summer's fixation on death really made me anxious. Even the attempts at humor through Cletus did not have much impact on me.
I have learned a lot about Cynthia Rylant through reading so many of her books. She is a country girl with deep roots and strong family ties. I enjoy her writing style and lovely language but she is not my favorite. As I talk to my peers about the books I am reading I get strong opinions on both sides. I have found that people either love Missing May or Hate it.

Seedfolks By Paul Fleischman

I was so excited to read this book because I heard that it is a great teaching novel. I have heard many middle school teachers refer to using it for various things. I was intriqued by the size and cover of Seedfolks. It was much smaller than I thought it would be, it was was actually similar in size to Van Gogh Cafe' by Cynthia Rylant. Though I had heard that this was a good book, I had heard nothing of what it was about.
Soon into the book it reminded me of the book Flipped that I blogged on previously. Seedfolks tells the story of many different people and how this random plot of land affected their lives. Each chapter was of course from a different point of view much like Flipped. The difference was that Flipped told a story over time and focused on two main characters and Sedfolks was a short specific time period and many characters were featured. Each chapter was about a different person and that person was not featured again.
The characters in Seedfolks all lived in the same general neighborhood and each had a hardship of sorts. Kim, the first person introduced in seedfolks, is the first person to use the land. Kim never met her father who died before her birth. She worries that he will not know her when he checks on the family from heaven. Since he was an avid farmer she decides to grow lima beans in the empty lot to connect to him. This is how it all got started. Another person sees her and wonders what she is doing, it must be no good. The concerend neighbor goes to dig up the expected the drugs and discovers the lima beans. The cycle continues. As time goes by more and more people decided to plant a small garden in the lot.
Each person is using the lot to fill a need or gain something. Some need food, some desire attention from a special person, others need to feel empowered and important.
I liked the book but at this point it is not a favorite for me. I will definitely file away for a special occassion.

The Battle of Yorktown By: Scott Ingram

The Battle of Yorktown is another informational text. This particular text is also geared towards young readers. This book has more realistic illustrations than most other children's books. Some are actual photos and others are pencil sketches. There is quite a bit of information in this book. It seems to be written for older elementary students. It is very factual and includes information including many elements of the Revoluationary war, a few chapters are devoted to the Battle of Yorktown. I liked how the book included a timeline and the names of all historical figures that influenced the battle of yorktown.
The preface, The American Revolution, was very condensed. I am not a history buff and it was a difficult read for me. So many dates and facts to put in order.Though the local connection was interesting, overall I would not reccommend this book to a child unless there was an adult willing to read it with him or her.
Two thumbs up for a good resource
Two down for interest

The Trail of Tears By Joesph Bruchac

The Trail of Tears is an informational text about westward expansion. My seven year old is currently very interested in battles and history so he helped me select this book. This particular book is geared fro grades 2-4. The front cover is very appealing and helped us begin to discuss what The Trail of Tears was. The cover shows many Cherokee people traveling on horseback and in wagons carrying everything they own. The chapter titles are great fro young readers because they are typed in bold print and distinguishing colr. They also allow children to begin to think about the content of the chapter. For example the first chapter is called the sad departure. We were able to disscuss what made a departure sad. My little genious concluded that they must not have wanted to leave their home. Each new page has a large illustration that depicts what was happening as the people prepared to leave and then covered the events of the journey. I thought the maps were ecspecially useful to help make connections to young readers about the origination point of the journey and the destination. This book also included historical figures who are notorious for their role in life at that time. This book, being a children's book, did sugar coat the details of the revolution and the white settlers. I really felt that my son got a great start to understanding history. I would recommend this read to anyone who knows a young person interested in history.

Fever 1793 By Laurie Halse Anderson

I really enjoyed Fever. That is not surprising because I am a fan of historical fiction. Fever meant more to me at this moment in time than it would have 6 months or more ago because I spent a week in Philadelphia this summer on a historical trip. As I read about Mattie and her trips to the market I could look into my mind and picture the brick row houses and the hear the clamper of horses hooves on the stone roads.
Fever is a historical fiction novel based on the outbreak of yellow fever in Philadelphia. The main character, Mattie, her mother, grandfather, and friend Eliza are face with the choice to stay or flee the city. Before the epidemic is over thousands of people were dead from the plague of yellow fever.
I felt bad for Mattie early on because of the lose of her father and the tight ship her mother ran. I admired her mother for being strong and surviving in the face of adversity.
When Polly died I could feel the tension and fear within the family, Eliza included. They were brave to stay and face the epidemic.
I felt that the story line was interesting and easy to follow in addition to the historical elements being factually informative. It was easy to follow the sequence of events and learn how colonial life was affected by the tragedy.
I honestly did not expect Mattie to come down with the fever and I did not expect her mother to return. I was wrong on both counts (I am usually such a good predictor).
I felt the lose of Grandpa the most. Poor Mattie was all alone until she met Nell and then found her way to Eliza again. I was so worried for her.
It was nice to read a happy ending that had hope for the future. I have not read many novels lately that end on a happy note.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I found this book quite disturbing on many levels, but at the same time I really enjoyed reading it. Actually, this story reminds me of The City of Embers. Both stories take place in planned communities that are run in a very methodical fashion. The City of Embers is an underground safe haven designed to save a small select part of mankind in the face of terrible disaster. Not very much unlike the futuristic community that Jonas and his friends are growing up in. When I first began to read the book I kept waiting for the hook. Lois Lowry spent several pages just introducing the reader to the community and the methodical functions carried out there. Everything was so preplanned it was a bit scary. The sameness was slowly introduced. I did not realize until late in the book that they all dressed the same. Honestly the concept of Releasing haunted me from the beginning. I knew it would be a major piece of the story but I had no idea it would stir me the way it did. Maybe for me it was the idea of what it meant. As I read Jonas watching the footage of his father euthanization the baby I suddenly felt so sad for him and all of the others. How terrible to decide who gets to live and who must die. What a terrible place. Is it really better to be safe? I felt for Jonas when he had to go home and face his parents knowing what his father had done. I could feel the anger myself and how difficult it would be to pretend not to know the truths. The part where Jonas decided to leave early was confusing until I read the part about the committee deciding to release Gabe because of sleeping issues. I sat straight up in bed and wanted to yell “run Jonas, save him”. This final piece of the story was the most symbolic to me. I think that the harsh conditions Jonas was experiencing as he increased the distance between himself and the community were actually memories being release. My heart ached as they experienced hunger, pain and when Jonas tried so hard to protect Gabe from the elements. The very last image in the book was the sled ride that was also the first memory Jonas received from the Giver. I think this represented the last of the memories being release. And sadly I think it means that Jonas and Gabriel did not survive. I have talked to many coworkers about this book today and each one had a different thought about the end.

When I Was young In The Mountains By: Cynthia Rylant

Caldecott Honor Book

When I Was Young In The Mountains was a very sweet book of memories. It tells the story of all of the very special things the narrator did in the mountains as a young girl visiting her grandparents. It portrays strong family ties and unity. It also tells of the importance of even simple activities with family. I am not sure how this book would go over with todays students. I realize some have country connections and I feel they would really enjoy this book but I feel that others would not have the background knowledge to make meaningful connections. Another thought is that students could realate this book and the illustrations to colonial times. For example, using the out house or taking a bath in a large bucket on the front porch.
The last page was my favorite. It reads:
When I was young in the mounatins, I never wanted to go to the ocean, and I never wanted to go to the desert. I never wanted to go anywhere else in the world, for I was in the mountains. And that was always enough.
That was so powerful. So many people want more and more and as a society we are moving further and further away from simplicity. The message in this book is that simple can be perfect.

Silver Packages By; Cynthia Rylant

An Appalachian Christmas Story

This story gave me goose bumps. Silver Packages is a wonderfully enchanting Christmas Story. It is a story of good deeds being returned. Because of the kind heart of someone many years before helping an injured man just passing through; the Christmas train came to be. Legend is that the man who was helped so many years before repays the good deed by bringing gifts wrapped in silver each year at Christmas. The train never fails to show up and the man always throws gifts to everyone. The gifts are always practical things such as socks, scarves, and mittens. They also include a toy of some sort. The boy in the story tells of each year wanting a doctors kit but always getting something he needed and toy that was not the doctor kit he wanted. When the boys grows into a man he returns to the town and waits for the train to thank the man but his attention is drawn to a little girl who has taken a bad fall. He runs to help her and identifies himself as a doctor.

The Stars Will Still Shine By: Cynthia Rylant

I am not sure how I feel about this book. It was a very simple picture book with very few words. The illustrations were beautifully done using the crayon technique but they seem to be geared towards an older person. The very first page reads this new year...., I wonder if it is referring to an actual new year coming to pass. It seems to be filled with positive resolutions and speculations of what the new year will bring. It will bring the night and stars of course. It will also bring birds, the birth of new animals, and flowers. That reminds me of Spring and what it brings every year. To the author, it will also bring family times and comfortable times such as snuggling to keep warm and baking pie. It was a very warm and calm book. I wonder how I could use this one with older kids. Any suggestions?

Flipped By: Wedelin Van Draanen

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I had it on my shelf for quite awhile but the tiny upside down chick on the front cover did not do much for me.
This book tells the story of two children Bryce and Julianna. The story begins in second grade when obnoxious, annoying Julianna moves in next door to Bryce. Bryce is a bit on the snobby side and does not enjoy Julianna's company. She on the other hand loves Bryce's company.
The great part of this book is that each chapter is written from either Bryce or Julianna's point of view. Haven't we always heard there are two sides to everything? This book illustrates how easily a situation or action can be misconstrued by the individuals involved.
Julianna spends most of her young life infactuated with Bryce while his main goal is avoiding her. Julianna is smart and a bit bizarre. She beats to the tune of her own drum. Bryce conforms to his peer groups and always worries about what they think.
As time passes, some significant events pass between the two and their families. Surprise, surprise Bryce begins to see Julianna for the true gem she is. As this very same time, Julianna is beginning to see Bryce for what he really is. Will they finally be together or will Bryce get a good taste of liking someone who does not like him? This one is too good to give away the end. You will just have to read it yourself.

Tale of Despereaux By: Kate Dicamillo

I would recommend this book for any one of any age who wants to enjoy an adventurous tale. Kate Dicamillo did a fantastic job weaving three suspenseful stories about several very interesting individuals( or shall I call them characters). Our main character, Despereaux, had the misfortune of being the last born "mouse" to a very dramatic french mother and a very easily influenced father. Poor Despereaux was so different and all he wanted was love.

Then there was the Princess Pea who lost her beloved mother in a tragic soup incident. " NO MORE SOUP! " declared the devastated king. And no more rats either. The poor princess got to sit around glowing with beauty and privilege. She befriended most people and animals who entered her life.

The rats are another story. Roscuro did not mean to cause such a uproar. HE himself had the misfortune of being born different. But it was revenge he sought in his story.

And lastly, there was Miggory Sow. Who would ever love her and her cauliflower ears? What kind of parent trades his only daughter for a few cigarettes and a red blanket.

Each of these characters had their own sad story to tell. And somehow they all end up together in a situation that requires them to trust one another if they are to survive.

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant Caldecott Honor

Another quality work from Cynthia Rylant. I had actually read this one before but could not remember what it was about. I kept trying to read it with the same rhyme pattern that is in The Lady Who Named Things ( which I loved and have read again!). Isn't it funny that we try to generalize a particular pattern or theme to most works by the same author.The story starts with It was summer of the year that the relatives came. That makes me think that this was a very special isolated visit. The illustration on that page had a man loading a car with a ton of luggage, like they would stay a while. The author really makes it a point to let us know that it was a long drive up from Virginia. It was so cute to see the car packed with people and weighed down with luggage on the roof, it made me think of a clown car at the circus. Once they arrived the poor little house was packed full of people. It made me laugh to look at all of them laid out on the floor. I would have definitely read this book to my elementary students because to them visiting family or having family visit is a big deal. It was also refreshing to see family just enjoying one another without TV and video games.

Bridge...the movie

Wow! This is a first for me ever. I actually liked the movie better. Before you throw tomatoes, hear me out. I personally thought the book dry at first. As I stated in my review, I had a hard time connecting to Jesse right away. The movie was quicker and updated. Jesse and his family seemed closer than in the book. I did not feel as bad for him in the movie. Things were bad for him but it did not bother me as much. In the book his mom seemed oddly cranky. She seemed just a bit stressed in the movie.
I kept looking for Bessie the cow. What exactly were his chores in the movie anyway? Thinking about it now it seems weird that I would favor the movie when I do not like many of the changes made.
I guess I really opened my eyes and looked at Jesse and Leslie and their relationship for the first time. I am not a very imaginative person so I had a hard time picturing Terabethia and all of the adventures. The movie captured their vivid imaginations and how they trusted one another enough to allow the full experience to take over( the Janice Giant Troll really got me giggling). That changed them for me. I felt more emotions in the movie when Leslie died because I saw them having a deeper connection. And who would not feel bad for that adorable little boy.

Westlandia By Paul Fleschman

What a beatiful book! Beautiful illustrations! Beautiful words! What is wrong with being unique?
Poor Wesley, no one seemed to like him the way he was, not even his parents. So what else is there to do except to create a new land where you are normal.That is exactly what Wesley does. He grows beautiful fuits and weaves lovely things. He even gets to dress in comfy robes. Surprisingly his peers begin to get courious and kind Wesley allows them in to help some. Wesley spends the summer cultivating Weslandia and and nurturing his uniqueness. And guess what, people start to want to be like him.
I love this story becuase it tells children that it is ok to be whoever you want to be.

Bridge to Teribithia By Katherine Paterson Newby Berry Award Winner

Honestly, if this was not required for class I probably would not have finished it. A usual rule of thumb for me is if I do not get so into a book within the first 24 hours that I can not put it down...I put it down for good.This was not one of those books. I tried several times to get through the first chapter and failed. I had to force myself to push through. I guess I had nothing to connect to with this book early on. The main character was a little boy with a few sisters being raised in what seemed like dismal conditions. His mother was mean to him, yet not abusive. His father was indifferent and Jesse was obsessed with being the fastest runner in the 5th grade. I did feel bad for him but I just could not connect to him.
I am relieved to say that I am glad to have stuck it out. Jesse's friendship with Leslie is what drew me in. I was so proud of Jesse for being friends with her and I wanted to see how this relationship would grow and change him. Once I gave the book a chance I found that the author was very detailed in such a way that I could feel embarrassment, fear, and anxiety about certain situations. Not many books stir those emotions for me. When Leslie and Jesse wrote the note to the bully about meeting a boy after school I was so worried they would be caught. Ecspecially the next day when May Belle asked them on the bus if they did it, I was sure they would be caught. Leslies death was very sad and it was nice to see his mom and dad try to be nice to him. The last chapter was a bit dissappointing for me. I wanted Jesse to hold Terabithia sacret and private or never go back. I do not think it will ever be the same for him even if his sister shares it with him.

I Love You, Too! By Eve Bunting

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I am posting on a story by Eve Bunting that was in a collection of I Love You stories I bought my children for Valentine's Day. This particular story has adorable illustrations, done by Melissa Sweet,that are over sized and colorful. On every page you will find adorable animals with their mommy's. The story starts with a little brown puppy giving his mama a special gift. Of course his mama loves the gift and showers him with hugs, kisses, and I love yous. By doing this the little puppy inspires his friends to do the same and each little animal discovers a special gift to give their mommy. Each animal is described using color or a characteristic which helps teach children those particular descripters. And of course each mama loves the gift. It was cute because my little boy touched my check and said "you are my mama", which brought me to tears. There is some ryme present but not too much. The only draw back was that it seemed to go on and on and I began to wonder how many other animals would be in the story. Overall, it was very sweet and moving.

Just You and Me By Sam McBratney

This was an adorable picture book featuring a beatuful adult goose and an adorable baby gosling goose on the cover. In this story the little goose is afraid of an impending thunder storm so the two look for a place to hide. Everywhere they go another forest creature has gotten there first but offers to share the spot with Little Goosey and Big Gander Goose. The little one is a bit shy about being scared of the storm and keeps asking if they can hide just the two of them. So they make their excuses and move on. They eventually find a place to hide and sleep out the storm. I thought this book was very cute because so many of us are ashamed or embarrassed about our fears and prefer to be with loved ones only when we fear danger. It was interesting that Big Gander Goose is introduced only as someone who looks after Little Goosey and not a parent. It touched my heart as a parent because I always want to be with my children when they are afraid and I rarely trust others to protect them. I did not like that each time they declined an offer to share a hiding spot they made excuses by pointing a negative aspect of that place and so after they moved on the first tenant decides to leave as well. In the end the storm passess and all is well. The catch....all of the other animals were hiding there as well but no one knew because it was such a great hiding place. I wonder what we were sopposed to learn from that?