Blizzard

Blizzard
Written and illustrated by John Rocco

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1423178651
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: October 30, 2014
Age: 3 - 7 years

Themes: winter, snowed in,

One winter, it started snowing. And snowing. It did not stop until four feet of snow blanketed the ground. At first, it was fun; but as the days passed with no snowplows, food started running low and cabin fever started running high. Will one heroic boy be able to brave the blizzard's dumping and get what his family and friends need?

Based on Rocco's real life experience with a massive blizzard, the story is certainly well done. The text is simple, and to the point; it's the illustrations that really express the emotions. With each passing day, people get a little more antsy. When the boy finally decides to go out to the store himself, his preparation, journey, and subsequent exhaustion take the reader on an adventure. Makes you chilly just looking at it! I really like Rocco's work and wonder if he'll get pegged for another Caldecott Honor. Blizzard certainly deserves it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Blackout

Blackout
Written and Illustrated by John Rocco

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781423121909
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Date of Publication: May 24, 2011
Age: 4 - 8 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: family, relationships, power outage, New York City

Awards: Caldecott Honor (2012)

Blackout starts out showing the busy and noisy lives of New Yorkers. One young child in particular wants to play a board game with his family, but each member turns him down, as they are too busy with other things. He goes off to play a video game when the power goes out. Suddenly, the parents cannot work and the sister must get off the phone and finally, the son has a chance to spend quality time with his family.

I loved this book and its simple, unobtrusive message about the importance of making time for family. Of course, the illustrations are fantastic as well (it is a Caldecott Honor, after all). I think it would make a really good book to have in the home, maybe while reading with a flashlight and all the lights out. I recommend it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon