During a fierce nocturnal tempest, Grandfather tells Thomas a story about his own childhood fear of storms; Cummings's violet-toned paintings capture both the shock of the thunderstorm and the comfort of Grandfather's company. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2 Paintings in icy blue-white, black, and brown illustrate this story of a young black boy, his grandfather, and their cat during a fearsome thunder storm. There is a power failure, so that there is nothing to do except talk. Whatever fears the boy has are quelled by his grandfather's wit, understand ing, and a comforting story. This is a picture book of contrastthe raging storm without, the calm within as the grandfather shares the fear he had as a youngster during a similar storm when he accidently left his puppy outside. Stolz' poetic language is powerful, packed with vivid imagery and ono matopoeic verse from the thunder like mountains blowing up'' to theping'' of the living room clock. The balance of the text is comprised of relaxed, unhur ried dialogue. The pictures contrast the strong use of dark shadows and the soft light which illuminates the warmth in side the house. Best read aloud, but don't wait for a storm. Marianne Pilla, Long Beach Public Library, N.Y.