Amazon Tree House in a Storm Category:  Children Publisher: Stemmer House ISBN-10:  0916144232 Type: Fiction Copyright: 2009 ISBN-13: 9780916144234 Kenny climbed trees as soon as he could walk, and a few years later, with the help of his little sister Allison, builds a tree house where the two of them rule as king and queen. But their reign promises to be a short one. Located in New Orleans, Kenny and Allisons tree house stands directly in the path of Hurricane Betsy! This touching tale about the devastation from severe weather events is sure to warm your heart. Learn with Kenny and Allison that even the worst storm can end with a rainbow. Tree House in a Storm, (Stemmer House Publishers, 2009) is a picture book for ages 5-10. The story explores universal themes of natural disaster and rebuilding. In the classroom, this book serves as an effective discussion tool. A free Teacher's Guide and book-related activities are available on the author's website. Excerpt Some people say Kenny was ‘born in a tree’. He climbed them as soon as he could walk. When he was nine, he nailed scraps of wood to the trunk of a mossy oak that stood in the woods next to his house. His sister Allison helped him drag over old boards, and soon they built their own fort where they ruled as king and queen. They were sure it was higher than the tallest building in New Orleans, higher than the puffy summer clouds, even higher than the stars of the Milky Way. It was safe from invasion by grownups, because the steps up the trunk were too narrow for grownup feet. “But we’ll have to protect it from monsters,” Kenny warned his sister. “Monsters?” Allison shuddered. They took turns with binoculars, to guard against an attack. The children spent the muggy summer days amidst the breezy leaves to escape the heat. They sipped lemonade, smacked mosquitoes and told stories. Then Mama would call, “Time for lunch!”, but even peanut butter and sliced banana sandwiches couldn’t lure them down. So, Mama put the sandwiches and bunches of juicy grapes into a basket between the gnarly tree roots. Kenny and Allison hauled the basket up by a rope. Their kingdom was peaceful until one dark September day. That’s when the monster attacked. Her name was Betsy. “Keep your pets indoors,” warned the TV newscaster. “Evacuate!” said the radio announcer. Betsy was a hurricane, and she was meaner than an ogre.

Captivating Story, August 1, 2009
Who can't relate to a child's need to create a special place of his or her own? Kenny, the boy in this story, is lucky enough to have a generous tree in his back yard, a sister to join him in his treetop kingdom, and a mother who sends lunch up on a pulley. Rachelle Burk has a special gift for understanding children's fears - the monsters - without giving into them. And when disaster does strike in the form of a hurricane, Kenny copes with a supportive family and a long-term plan. This book comforts with its vision of generational stability and resilience of spirit.

Restrained and Timeless Child's Eye View, July 30, 2009
Rachelle Burk takes us into the treetops without ever going over the top. This lyrical book evokes the magic of secret forts and lazy summer days while at the same time taking on childhood fear and natural disaster in a non-threatening way. This transgenerational tale beautifully depicts the tenuous balance between dreams and disaster -- and the tenacious human spirit that dwells in both. The illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of a very specific time and place -- New Orleans in the 1960's. But the resiliency depicted in the story is timeless, as any Hurrican Katrina survivor can attest.

An Unforgettable Story!, August 5, 2009
ree House in a Storm, written by first time author Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Rex Schneider, is a masterful blend of classic story telling and compelling artwork. The story of Kenny and Allison's tree house will remind you of the joys of being young, of being filled with imagination and wonderment...and unfortunately the feeling of loss for something you love. Rachelle Burk's words beautifully lead you through this heartwarming tale, complimented by Rex Schneider's wonderfully dramatic and slyly whimsical illustrations (Hidden frogs anyone?). All in all, this is not just a story of childhood loss, but a story of the universal promise of hope.