
Reach for this book when your child feels paralyzed by the intensity of a moment, whether it is a crashing thunderstorm, a loud party, or a sudden change in routine. This gentle story follows a young boy and his great-uncle as they watch a storm roll in, using the weather as a living metaphor for how big feelings can feel overwhelming but are always temporary. It is a masterclass in co-regulation, showing how a calm adult presence can help a child navigate anxiety. Appropriate for ages 4 to 8, the story uses soothing watercolor illustrations to ground the reader. Parents will find this especially useful for teaching the concept of impermanence: the idea that bad days and scary sounds will eventually pass. It provides a peaceful bridge for discussing resilience and patience in a way that feels safe and loving rather than lecture-heavy.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with anxiety and fear of nature. The approach is secular and highly realistic, focusing on the sensory experience of a storm. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in the cycle of nature.
An anxious 6-year-old who struggles with transitions or environmental stressors (loud noises, dark skies) and finds comfort in close, one-on-one relationships with elders.
This book can be read cold. The text is rhythmic and calming. Parents might want to pay attention to the uncle's body language in the illustrations as a model for their own behavior during their child's anxious episodes. A child hiding under the covers during a storm or refusing to engage in an activity because they are worried about what might happen next.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the literal storm and the safety provided by the adult. Older children (7-8) will begin to grasp the metaphorical application to their own internal emotional 'storms.'
Unlike many 'fear of the dark' books that focus on imagination, this focuses on the reality of the situation and the passage of time. The intergenerational bond between a great-uncle and nephew is also a refreshing change from the standard parent-child dynamic.
A young boy visiting his great-uncle experiences anxiety as a thunderstorm approaches. The great-uncle calmly sits with the boy, explaining the mechanics of the storm and repeating the titular refrain: This Will Pass. As the rain falls and the winds howl, the uncle models patience and calm, eventually watching the sun come out again.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.