Picture Book Monday - A review of A storm called Katrina

On Monday August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana cost. Hurricane Katrina was the deadliest and most destructive Atlantic hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall. 

In today's book will will find out what it was like to be in New Orleans when the hurricane hit as seen through the eyes of a young boy.

A storm called Katrina

Myron Uhlberg

Illustrated by Colin Bootman

Picture Book

For ages 6 to 8

Peachtree Publishers, 2011, 978-1-56145-591-1

   One night, Louis Daniel’s mother tells him that a hurricane is coming, and when Louis Daniel wakes up in the morning, he sees how much damage has been done during the night. The big tree in the yard has been knocked down, and Mama’s plants have been flattened. Louis Daniel’s mother tells him not to worry, but this is very hard to do when the wind is making your house shake, and when raindrops “bigger than quarters” are falling against the windows.

   Soon after the rain stops, the water starts to rise. When Louis Daniel and his parents go outside they hear that the levee has broken and they and their neighbors have to move to higher ground as fast as they can. Louis Daniel’s’ father put his son and his wife on a piece of porch and he pushes and paddles them all to safety. Along the way, Louis Daniel sees how devastated the city is, and he sees a black and white dog standing on some boards. It breaks Louis Daniel’s heart that they cannot do anything to help the poor dog.

   The little family finally ends up seeking shelter at the Superdome, but they are not there long before it becomes clear that the situation there is pretty terrible. There is little to eat and drink, the heat is oppressive, and no one knows when help will come. The only thing Louis Daniel has with him is his cornet, which he refused to leave behind.

   Based on true stories as told by people who experienced Hurricane Katrina first hand, this title will give young readers a picture of what it was like to be in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck. Children will appreciate how helpless Louis Daniel feels, and understand how much he lost.

   An author’s note at the back of the book provides readers with further information about what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina’s arrival in New Orleans.