Review Detail

Karl James Mountford may have just become one of my favorite authors.

A Voice in the Storm is a visually-unique book. Full of color and style–purples, blues and greens, sharp edges, and fantastical fauna, the dark, stormy scenes capture the tone of the story perfectly.

The story navigates difficult feelings with sensitivity and compassion, giving details to the feelings one may be experiencing.

This passage may insinuate self-harm, or worse, and some may not find that suitable for younger ages:
"The lightning and thunder were overwhelming. Rat froze in fear and curled up into a ball. She was too scared to move even a whisker. Then, somewhere in the raging storm, a soothing, hypnotic voice hissed to her. 'Little Rat. This is not a ssssafe place to shelter. Climb into my mouth. I'll keep you ssssafe from the sssstorm.' Weary and confused, Rat thought about stepping toward the Snake's open jaws."

I think it could be good to share it with an upper elementary student or older, with teens and adults also benefitting from reading this book. I would think most lower elementary students, or younger, wouldn't understand the deeper meaning to a lot of this book, but could still find it help for those new feelings that could be having.

This is a simple, effective description of depression and what it feels like. It also uses the story to teach how to help yourself, and to not be afraid to ask for help and support.

“For anyone carrying a storm.”