I don't usually read a lot of graphic novels, but this is a moving and enchanting little story, and told with beautiful illustrations! I loved the sense of movement in the pictures, but sometimes I wasn't quite sure what was going on until I really looked at each illustration carefully. (I always find that when I'm reading a magazine or any medium where there are both photos and text, I will read the text first. My eye is drawn to text before images.) So I, personally, wish there had been more dialogue and more text in the story. However, I can see that the pathos and sweetness of the story is enhanced by the visuals rather than words. Most of the time, no words are needed. The expressions in the art says it all. And the passages of text that ARE included are woven into the story with purpose and care. Beautifully done! I liked the pictures in the book. They were good at showing the emotions of all the characters and what was going on in the story. They told most of the story and you could still know what was going on even without the words. They were very detailed and looked like they could really be drawings of the Dust Bowl. I also liked how most of the pictures were a light brown and grey. It made them look more realistic and gave a tone for the book. I liked the fantasy element of the book. I thought it was interesting to hear a tall tale type of reason for why it hadn't rained in years. Although I liked the pictures I didn't like how most of the story was pictures. I know that graphic novels have more pictures than words, but I would have liked to have read a little more. The pictures did a good job of telling the story and I liked that, but I still would have liked to read a little more.I think this will be a good book for children who are transitioning from reading picture books to chapter books. This is because it is longer than a picture book (because it's a novel), but it has more pictures than words. Children will also like this book because it is an easy read. I finished it in one sitting, although I know it will probably take children a little longer to read than it took me, I believe that it won't take them too much longer. This book has some historical elements mixed with some fantasy elements. I think this will intrigue young readers because it could get them interested in learning more about the Dust Bowl and wanting to read more books about it. I think they will also like the fantasy element because it makes the book more interesting for them instead of just reading facts about the Dust Bowl or true encounters of the Dust Bowl.
What do You think about The Storm In The Barn (2009)?
Stark, spare, powerful storytelling about the Kansas dust bowl as seen through the eyes if a child.
—book_nerd96
Evocative graphic novel...Good, but not my favorite. A quick read.
—Dakota
Haunting, sparse and beautiful. Take your time with it.
—heatherlo1974
I loved this story! You need to read it ASAP
—Yellowlove
