Storm Trucks Week 2: Flashlights, Cloud Jars & Calm Minds Ahead!
- Donna Boock
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
We made it through the stormy start—now it’s time to slow things down, look up, and get a little curious.
Welcome to Week 2 of REACH: Storm Trucks! This week, we’re swapping rumbles for reflection with simple science and calm-down fun. You’ll make clouds in a jar, explore the power of light and breath with a flashlight mindfulness activity, and discover how curiosity can calm even the stormiest of days.
Want to keep the theme going? I’ve included a few bonus picture book recommendations that pair perfectly with Storm Trucks—so you can keep reading without running out of steam.
Why Re-read Storm Trucks? And Why Just One Book a Month?
You may wonder why REACH focuses on just one featured book each month. It’s intentional—and it’s powerful. Young children thrive on repetition. Hearing the same story again and again isn’t just something they enjoy—it’s how they learn.
Re-reading builds vocabulary, reinforces story structure, and helps kids connect more deeply with characters and emotions. Each time through, they notice something new, ask different questions, and grow more confident in their understanding. Eventually, they become “story experts,” eager to tell the tale back to you in their own words—a key step toward independent reading.
By spotlighting a single book all month long, we create space for that deeper connection. But that doesn’t mean we stop with just one story.
To expand upon what we’re doing, I also share thematically connected books to expand on the big ideas—whether it’s handling emotions, exploring nature, or sparking imagination. These read-alikes keep the conversation going, build comprehension, and help your child see how stories can be linked by feeling, topic, or curiosity.
So this week, go ahead—curl up with Storm Trucks again. And when your child is ready for more, try one of the books in this curated list to keep the learning (and bonding) rolling.
🌧 More Books to Explore Weather, Wonder, and Calm:
👉 Watch Read Aloud A lyrical, joyful celebration of a long-awaited summer rain. Great for pairing with your cloud-in-a-jar or rainmaker crafts—and perfect for talking about how nature brings relief and renewal.
👉 Watch Read Aloud A humorous story where barnyard animals misunderstand the warning about a storm. Sweet, silly, and a gentle way to talk about fear of the unknown.
👉 Watch Video A beautiful book about sitting with big feelings—and how sometimes, just being there is what helps most. A touching companion to Axel’s moment of quiet connection with his puppy.
👉 Watch Read Aloud A wordless, imagination-rich exploration of shadows and light. A perfect pairing with your flashlight mindfulness activity and any nighttime play.
👉 Watch Read Aloud A child dreams of catching a rainbow—just like Axel reimagines the storm. Ideal for linking to your rainbow crafts or projector fun.
BONUS SNEAK PEEK! I’m thrilled to reveal the cover of my upcoming book, How To Find a Four-Leaf Clover, coming February 2026. Step into a world of imagination, positivity, and self-belief with How To Find a Four-Leaf Clover—Donna Boock’s upcoming picture book featuring vibrant, playful artwork by the wildly talented John Joven, whose bold style makes every page POP!
Next Week on REACH—Let’s Make It Rain! Songs, Storms & Sounds
Get ready to feel the rhythm of the rain! In next week’s REACH guide, we’re making storm sounds with music, movement, and a creative craft your kids will love.
Until next week—watch the clouds, shine your light, and keep turning pages.
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