For the child who feels scared during loud storms or worries about getting separated from loved ones, this story gently explores finding courage amidst fear.
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows a new or persistent fear of thunderstorms, or expresses anxiety about being separated in a public place. Molly Gets Lost In a Thunderstorm gently tells the story of a young child who gets separated from her family during a sudden storm. The narrative focuses on her feelings of being scared and alone, but also on the small, brave steps she takes to find shelter and stay calm. It's an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students, as it validates their fears while providing a reassuring model for how to find courage. The story concludes with a safe, comforting reunion, reinforcing the message that even when scary things happen, you can be brave and loved ones will be there for you.
The story addresses the common childhood fears of loud noises (thunder) and separation from a caregiver. The approach is secular and direct, naming the feelings of being scared and lonely. The resolution is completely hopeful and reassuring, with no lingering trauma. It is designed to comfort and empower.
Ideal Reader
This is for a 3 to 5-year-old who hides or cries during storms, or a child experiencing separation anxiety at school drop-off. It’s for the child who needs to see their specific fear acknowledged and then see a character successfully navigate that fear and come out safe on the other side.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the illustrations of the storm and Molly alone. For a very sensitive child, it might be helpful to talk through the pictures first, saying, "Here's where Molly feels a little scared, but look, she's finding a safe place to wait." The book can be read cold, but priming the child for the happy ending can be beneficial. The parent has just witnessed their child have a big, fearful reaction to a thunderstorm. Or, the child has been asking a lot of "what if I get lost?" questions, perhaps in anticipation of a new experience like starting school or going to a large, crowded place.
Age Experience
A 3-year-old will connect with the surface-level emotions: scared, then happy. They will understand the simple plot of being lost and then found. A 6-year-old can engage more deeply with the theme of bravery, discussing how Molly was scared and brave at the same time. They can also start to verbalize their own coping strategies for when they feel scared.
What Makes It Special
Many books about fear focus on an external force making the fear go away. This book is unique in that it models a simple, internal coping mechanism. Molly actively recalls her mother’s words about bravery, which empowers her to manage her fear from within before being rescued. This subtle shift from passive waiting to active coping is a powerful lesson.
Read plot summary
A young rabbit named Molly is playing outside when a sudden thunderstorm rolls in. A particularly loud clap of thunder startles her, and she runs in the wrong direction, becoming separated from her parents. Alone and scared in the rain, Molly remembers her mother's advice to be brave. She finds shelter under a large mushroom and waits out the worst of the storm. Soon, her parents find her, and the story ends with a warm, reassuring family reunion inside their cozy burrow.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When the thunder made a big 'BOOM!', Molly ran and hid. What part of a storm seems the scariest to you?
2
Molly remembered her mom telling her to be brave. What brave thing did Molly do while she was waiting for her parents?
3
Look at the picture where Molly is alone under the mushroom. What do you think she was thinking about?
4
The story ends with Molly drinking warm cocoa in her cozy home. What makes you feel safe and cozy after something scary happens?
