PPBF: Tap Tap Boom Boom

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

TAP TAP BOOM BOOM,
by Elizabeth Bluemle
and G. Brain Karas

Tap Tap Boom Boom
Written by Elizabeth Bluemle
Illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Candlewick, 2014
Preschool-2nd grade, 263 words

Themes:
Poetry, city life, humanity

Opening:

Tap TAP, dark clouds.
Tap TAP, damp air.
Tap TAP, cold drops
of raindot hair.

Street carts appear: "Umbrellas here!"
Tap TAP Tap TAP BOOM BOOM
Tap TAP Tap TAP BOOM BOOM Crackle-Boom

Synopsis:
A rainstorm pelts the people of the city. They congregate in the subway tunnel for shelter. Based on a real event, the author records her observations and sensations in poetic style, showing that people of every race, creed, and walk of life can come together in a time of crisis.


What I Love:
I love how the author turns an ordinary rainstorm into a rhythmic picture book. The message she shares about the kindness she witnessed, a woman giving away her umbrella to a stranger, a man buying pizza for the crowd, people singing together to pass the time and calm the fears. These observations make this a book to treasure.
I wish I could share every line of this outstanding picture book poem! I can't believe I haven't heard of it before. The rhymes are so much fun, like

Feet wetter? / You'd better / go down / underground . . .

This is one of those books to read aloud over and over. My kids would've memorized and recited it in the car or during a thunderstorm.
The design of the book, the use of display fonts, and the collage-y illustrations make the reader want to notice all the details just like the author did during the real event.

Milk carton city craft
Courtesy Maria Victrix

Bonus:
1. Read more poetry during National Poetry Month!
2. Write your own poetic impressions of a storm, rain, snow, or hail. Here are some photos to inspire you further, via Tewee on Pinterest.
3. Make a cardboard city or other crafts, gathered by Laine Van.

4. Bake and decorate simple umbrella cookies from Land O Lakes. And don't forget to share them with friends, neighbors, maybe even strangers, like the characters in the book.
5. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Wendy

Reviewed by Joanna

Reviewed by Rhythm

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by Vivian

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for April 3, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.