Terrible Storm by Carol Otis Hurst

   Apparently I have a fascination with snow books at the moment as we are still knee-deep and frozen  in the Midwest.  Terrible Storm relates Hurst's grandfather's experiences surrounding The Blizzard of 1888.  Both grandfathers were going about their daily business; one was chopping wood and the other delivering milk when the storm hit, they both take cover and remain snowed in for three days.  The social grandfather is stuck in a barn with several animals for company while the more solitary grandfather is stuck at the White Horse Tavern with a group of people. 

    While it isn't a thrilling tale it has a good storyteller quality to it. Eventually each grandfather makes it back to their own comfort zone by shoveling out with other townsfolk.  The illustrations are beautifully drawn and show a different era, making it a wonderful way to show students how people dressed and worked in the 1800's.  No snow blowers or cars (Grandfather Fred delivered milk in a horse-drawn wagon).  I love to read this kind of HF to students because they are so amazed by the differences and this one in particular is a quick read, making its point with little text compared to many other elementary historical fiction picture books.  I enjoyed the author's note at the beginning about her grandfathers tales.  Click here for Carol Otis Hurst's website.  This one is the perfect choice for an easy read-aloud about history or the weather.  I picked this one up from the public library and I think on my next visit I need to look for books on Spring!!  I'm picturing a beautiful book about tulips!