Thunder Doesn't Hurt

by Skye Weatherton

A cozy home, a looming storm.

Grade 1 (Level E): Early readers10 pages

A child scared of thunderstorms learns the science behind lightning and thunder, making storms less frightening

Characters

Aiden

Dad

Soft Watercolor

Story Arc

Aiden played with his brown bunny. He built a big tower of blocks. The sky grew dark outside.

A low rumble came from far away. Aiden’s head tilted. He stopped playing with his blocks.

Rain began to tap on the window. Aiden looked around the quiet room. He went to find Dad.

A loud clap boomed in the sky. Aiden jumped high. His eyes grew wide with fear.

Dad saw Aiden was scared. He opened his arms for a hug. Aiden ran close to Dad.

“Listen to the thunder,” Dad said softly. “It sounds very big and loud.” Dad pointed to the window.

“Lightning makes a bright flash.” “Then thunder follows after,” Dad explained. “It is far away and does not hurt.”

Aiden looked at the big window. The lightning flashed again. He did not jump this time.

The rain became a gentle patter. The thunder grew very quiet. Aiden gave his bunny a squeeze.

He felt much less scared now. Aiden and Dad sat close together. The quiet rain played a soft song.

Make one of your own next.

rumble: It means a low, deep sound, like thunder.; A low rumble came from far away.
tilted: This is when you move your head to the side, like when you are curious.; Aiden’s head tilted.
clap: This is a loud noise, like when thunder cracks.; A loud clap boomed in the sky.
boomed: This means to make a loud, deep sound.; A loud clap boomed in the sky.
fear: It means feeling scared.; His eyes grew wide with fear.
softly: This means to speak or do something in a quiet, gentle way.; “Listen to the thunder,” Dad said softly.
lightning: This is a bright flash of light you see in the sky during a storm.; “Lightning makes a bright flash.”
flash: This is a quick burst of light.; “Lightning makes a bright flash.”
follows: This means to come after something else.; “Then thunder follows after,” Dad explained.
explained: This is when you tell someone how something works or why it happens.; “Then thunder follows after,” Dad explained.
patter: This is the sound of light rain falling quickly.; The rain became a gentle patter.
squeeze: This means to hold something tightly and gently.; Aiden gave his bunny a squeeze.