This Week in REACH: Storm Trucks Begins with a Rumble, Rumble, BOOM!
- Donna Boock
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Hi there, REACH families!
I’m trying something new this month—and I think you’re going to like it. Instead of sending you one big REACH guide each month, I’ll now be popping onto my blog—and, if you're a subscriber, into your inbox—once a week. Same great book selections. Same fun, family-friendly activities. Just delivered in smaller, more bite-sized pieces to help you connect and play all month long.
While I’ll still feature one special picture book each month, I’ll also recommend a few additional titles that go along with the theme. These extra books are great for extending reading time—without increasing the struggle. And the best thing? They all work well with the activities so you can read more and play more!
My hope? That this new weekly format helps you enjoy the book more deeply, try a few extra activities you might’ve skipped before, and feel even more supported as you share stories and learning at home. Prefer everything in one place? You’ll still get a full, printable REACH guide at the end of each month to download and keep. The PDF will also be archived on the website HERE so you can revisit it anytime!
It's July, and in Florida where I live that means afternoon summer storms roll in like clockwork—lightning crackles, thunder booms, and the sky turns into a wild, noisy drumline. It’s dramatic… and often more than a little scary. Of course, not all of you live where summer afternoons come with a built-in soundtrack, but wherever you are, a good thunderstorm tends to stir up some big nerves in kids (and sometimes grown-ups too). And with Independence Day nearly here, we’re adding fireworks to the mix. Between Mother Nature and backyard celebrations, it’s a month full of BOOM.
That’s why I’m so excited to kick off this new format with our July REACH pick: Storm Trucks by Charlotte Glaze. This sweet and powerful story was born from a mom’s mission to help her storm-shy son—and it delivers a strong and helpful message wrapped in rumbling fun. Axel, the hero, loves trucks but not thunderstorms. Until one day, with the help of his imagination, he starts to see the storm in a whole new way.
If you’ve got a little one who loves big machines, has big feelings, or just needs a brave story for a blustery, boomtastic day, Storm Trucks is the perfect read.
Storm Trucks Discussion Questions
Why was Axel afraid of the storm?
What helped him feel better?
How was Axel’s puppy feeling when the power went out?
How did Axel help his puppy feel better?
What did Axel find after the storm? Have you ever seen a rainbow?
What kind of noises did Axel hear during the storm?
Prompts to Dig Deeper
Are you afraid of thunderstorms?
Let's talk about something you are afraid of.
What are some things you do to try to get through something scary?
Let me tell you about something I'm scared of...
Here are some things I do to get through scary things...
Make a Game of Reading This Summer!
Print out the REACH Reading Tracker, set a simple daily reading goal, and let your child earn a semi-valuable prize—like popsicles, pool time, or picking the next family movie. It’s a fun way to keep reading fresh (and just a little competitive) all summer long!
Coming in Next Week's REACH Guide:
Ever wondered how rain falls from the clouds—or how to calm a stormy day with just a flashlight? In Week 2, we’ll explore weather through play and curiosity, with a simple science experiment and a soothing flashlight light activity your child will love. I'll also share a list of additional books related to this month's theme. PLUS...you—Yes, YOU—will be the first to get a peek at the cover of my next picture book, How To Find a Four-Leaf Clover!
Thanks for being part of this community—let’s make July a month to remember!
Warmly,
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