TREE HOUSE IN A STORM




Purchase signed copies from the author: Rachelleburk (at) gmail (dot com)
Purchase via Amazon

A hurricane is on the way. Will Kenny and Allison's tree house be one of its victims?

TREE HOUSE IN A STORM 
by Rachelle Burk
illustrated by Rex Schneider.
(Stemmer House Publishers 2009)
Inspired by actual events during the author's New Orleans childhood, this children's story deals with issues of loss, hope, and resiliency after a natural disaster. Two children build a tree house where they play and imagine all summer long. But then Hurricane Betsy blows into New Orleans in 1965, and their beloved tree house becomes one of its victims.

Click links below for FREE, PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES for the book:

CLASSROOM GUIDE  to Tree House in a Storm 
 Maze
  Word Search       
   Crossword Puzzle
       Draw-a-Tree House
          Coloring Pages (from the illustrators original sketches)
             What's Different? (a picture puzzle)  
              Paperbag Frog Puppet


 If your school plans to have a "lunch time rap session" with the author, here's one way to choose participants. You can also edit the pages to create a classroom essay and drawing activity without the contest portion. (The flyer is editable).

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Tree House in a Storm is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Also available for Kindle.
Signed copies can be purchased directly through the author: Rachelleburk@gmail.com.

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REVIEWS:

Restrained and Timeless Child's Eye View
By L. Mccarthy "Careful Reader" (Half Moon Bay, California) 
Rachelle Burk takes us into the treetops without ever going over the top. This lyrical book evokes the magic of secret forts and lazy summer days while at the same time taking on childhood fear and natural disaster in a non-threatening way. This transgenerational tale beautifully depicts the tenuous balance between dreams and disaster -- and the tenacious human spirit that dwells in both. The illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of a very specific time and place -- New Orleans in the 1960's. But the resiliency depicted in the story is timeless, as any Hurricane survivor can attest.
Captivating story

 By L. Crittenden "writer & reader" (San Francisco, CA) - Who can't relate to a child's need to create a special place of his or her own? Kenny, the boy in this story, is lucky enough to have a generous tree in his back yard, a sister to join him in his treetop kingdom, and a mother who sends lunch up on a pulley. Rachelle Burk has a special gift for understanding children's fears - the monsters - without giving into them. And when disaster does strike in the form of a hurricane, Kenny copes with a supportive family and a long-term plan. This book comforts with its vision of generational stability and resilience of spirit.

By Greg Budig "Author & Illustrator" An Unforgettable Story!
A masterful blend of classic story telling and compelling artwork. The story of Kenny and Allison's tree house will remind you of the joys of being young, of being filled with imagination and wonderment...and unfortunately the feeling of loss for something you love. Rachelle Burk's words beautifully lead you through this heartwarming tale, complimented by Rex Schneider's wonderfully dramatic and slyly whimsical illustrations (Hidden frogs anyone?). All in all, this is not just a story of childhood loss, but a story of the universal promise of hope.
 Will be a helpful tool for children to explain how natural disasters can be endured and survived

 Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) 
A delightful story that brings hope to many people
"Tree House in a Storm" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and will be a helpful tool for children to explain how natural disasters can be endured and survived.


 A. Tavino "M.Ed. Counseling and Development" (Northern Virginia)
Attention: Elementary Guidance Counselors/Therapists
As a school counselor, I am always on the lookout for new books to read in the classrooms. This book is perfect for starting discussions in classrooms and small groups or when counseling a student individually. It covers the concepts of "not your fault" and "it will get better". There are inspiring messages of recovery, renewal and tradition. I highly recommend "Tree House in a Storm" for any situations where a child's security has been shaken.


Letters from Teachers

" I read it to my first graders this past week and I wanted to tell you how much you touched their souls. Many of them were affected my Hurricane Sandy and were able to make personal connections. I will be visiting your website to also provide some extended activities. Thank you so much for sharing your book with us now, when we all need to have hope." ~Claire Pish, teacher, Piscataway, NJ

"After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, many students were upset when they finally returned to school after a 9 day absence. We were asked as the staff to be sensitive and share resources with them to help calm their fears. I was immediately reminded of [Tree House in a Storm] and knew it was the best resource we could share with our students. I just wanted you to know what a very special book this is and how glad I am that it was available to our students at this time. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and this very special book dedicated to 'survivors of natural disasters worldwide.' It was perfect! Sincerely, Laurie Fernandez" ~ Media Specialist, East Brunswick, NJ

"Lunch with the author contest": Draw and describe your special tree house 


STUDENT ENGINEERING ACTIVITY: DESIGN & BUILD A TREEHOUSE


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