Villa, Alvaro F. Flood.

Villa, Alvaro F.  Flood.  Capstone/Picture Window  2013  32p  ISBN 978-1-4048-8006-1  pre K-elem  Hardback  E-Bne  Books without words    

This wordless picture books shows the start, process and aftermath of a flood. It starts with a family at play outside; then, in the evening, the children are playing a video game or listening to an i-pod while the parents listen to the report as a storm approaches.  They work to  protect the house with sandbags.  The family packs what they can and leaves.  The water rises and engulfs the house while the family stays safe at a hotel in the city.  The family returns to see the damage and begins to repair the house.

Because the book is wordless, the illustrations are everything.  The paintings evoke the mood of each section, from sunny and happy to terrifying and violent.  The expressions on the faces of the family members show what they are feeling.

This title may be used to start a discussion of traumatic events with young children who cannot read. It can be used to develop language and conversation or develop sequencing and storytelling.  It shows a family’s perspective on the turmoil and aftermath of a flood, and is an excellent title for young children about a flood or other disaster.  For the very youngest pre-readers into the elementary grades.     

Summary: This wordless picture book shows the impact, struggle and aftermath of a flood on a family.  A non-threatening way to introduce young children to a traumatic event.  Ages pre-K and up.  

Flooding-Fiction                                                  --Joan Theal