Stormy Night

Stormy Night was written by Robin Wasserman, illustrated by Duendes del Sur and is the 16th book in the Cartoon Network Scooby-Doo! series geared to children in preschool through 1st grade who are learning to read.  This fun mystery book begins with Shaggy and Scooby-Doo all alone in their big house on a "dark, dark night."  Then, a thunder and lightning storm causes the lights to go out which sets the scene for a somewhat scary night as they see and hear things that make them think someone is in the house with them! Their fright is short-lived though, as they realize the "scary" things they see are only objects in the house making shadows that appear to be a ghost and the sounds they hear are just their friends trying to come in and get out of the rain!  Although the lights never come on, all is well in the "big, dark, cozy" house with all the friends sitting around the fireplace, roasting marshmallows and having a wonderful time together!!

Narrative Picturebook (including picture clues)

This book is effective in teaching children that "things aren't always the way they appear!"  Young children are often frightened of sounds and shadows when they are alone in their bedrooms at night, so I believe this may put their minds at ease and help them deal with their fear.  Also, as shown below, the picture clues on each page are so beneficial with teaching youngsters to read and they surely will feel encouraged and proud as they "read" the book!  Since this is a book in a series, children will most likely be excited to read others after enjoying this one!

In addition to the picture clues, the vibrant, cartoon-like illustrations on each page will keep kids interested with the fun emotions shown by all the characters!!  Also, the word choice is exciting with lots of expressive words--"Zoinks!" "Jinkies!" "Ruh-roh!" along with sounds on several pages that the reader can make--"Thud, thud, thud" and "Tap, tap tap."  Additionally, children can relate the story to the Scooby Doo! television program with characters that they know and have come to love!

I thought this was a fun book and read these types of books to my children when they were learning to read and they really thought it was great to "read" along and try to figure out the mystery!  We also use these clue books at our preschool to help the children learn to read from a young age and they also enjoy them tremendously!

During Circle Time:

• While reading the book, ask the children questions, such as "Do you think someone is really in the house?"
• Do you ever get frightened when you are alone or if there is a thunder and lightning storm?
• What other things are you scared of and what do you do to feel better?

Class Activities:

1. Play a game using the 24 flash cards at the end of the book to associate the pictures with the words. Then, copy the flash cards and send them home with the children so they can practice the words at home.
2. Use the flash cards to teach children sorting.  Ask them to put all of the people, objects and pictures of nature (clouds, rain, stars) into separate piles.

This is a terrific book for young children which is published by Scholastic, Inc.  Again, I feel it is most helpful to encourage young children to want to read based on the content and outstanding illustrations.

Other exciting books in the Scooby-Doo series:

• The Apple Thief
• Scooby-Doo and the Sunken Ship
• Thanksgiving Mystery

Reference

Wasserman, R. (2003). Stormy Night. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

 This picturebook is filled with fun and mystery and is considered a "clue" book, which is very h