Books to Help Children Cope with Disasters

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

Books to Help Children Cope with Disasters – Children’s Books

Title Author Description/Summary Age

Level

I’ll Know What to Do, A Kid’s

Guide to Natural Disasters

Bonnie S. Mark and

Aviva Layton

Helps children understand the facts, their feelings, and how to cope

with natural disasters

7-10

The Big Bad Blackout Megan McDonald When a hurricane knocks out the power, Judy, Stink, and their family

nd a way to pass the time.

7-8

Cliord and the Big Storm Norman Bridwell A story of evacuation and returning home 2-3

Flood Alvaro F. Villa A wordless picture book showing the preparations for – and recovery

from – a major ood

5-8

The Rhino who Swallowed a

Storm

LaVar Burton and Su-

san Schaefer Bernado

A young mouse who once lost her home to a storm is frightened by

severe weather; her father calms her fears with the take of a rhino

who was also displaced but learns “you’re never really alone when bad

things happen.”

8-10

A Terrible Thing Happened – A

story for children who have wit-

nessed violence or trauma

Margaret M. Holmes This story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or

traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence,

accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as oods or

re.

4-8

Once I Was Very Very Scared Chandra Ghosh Ippen This story uses animals to convey the fact that feeling frightened is

common and, more importantly, that people respond that stress and

anxiety in dierent ways – and that’s okay. A Spanish Version is avail-

able: Una Vez Tuve Mucho Mucho Miede

Jenny is Scared: When Sad Things

Happen in the World

Carol Shuman Depicts what children often experience before they even know what

awful thing is happening: scary news reports, disruptions in routine,

forgetfulness of parents, etc. It focuses on the big fears children have

and gives parents tips on how to make their children feel safe and

cope with their anxiety.

4-8

The Rabbit Listened Cori Doerfeld When something sad happens, Taylor doesn’t know where to turn.

All they animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to

talk it out, but Taylor doesn’t feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor

should get angry, but that’s not quite right either. One by one, the

animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to oer

comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen… which is

just what Taylor needs.

3-5

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

The Ant Hill Disaster Julia Cook This book addresses fears associated with both natural and man-

caused disasters. It models eective parenting and teaching respons-

es. This book can help assure children that through love, empathetic

understanding, preparation, and eective communication, they can

stand strong, even in the midst of uncontrollable events.

4-6

A Flicker of Hope Julia Cook This story reminds children that dark clouds can be temporary and

asking for help is always okay. We all have times when we need to bor-

row a little hope from someone else.

8-12

Ready Wrigley CDC, Center for Pre-

paredness and Re-

sponse

Coping After A Disaster

http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/readywrigley/

(Also available in Spanish)

Healing Days: A Guide for Kids

Who Have Experienced Trauma

Susan Farber Straus

PhD

A sensitive and reassuring story intended for children who have expe-

rienced trauma and covers the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that

many kids have after a bad and scary thing happens

6-11

Books to Help Children Prepare for Disasters - Children’s Books

Extreme Weather: Surviving Tor-

nadoes, Sandstorms, Hailstorms,

Blizzards, Hurricanes, and More!

Thomas M. Kostigen Covers dierent natural disasters as well as what to do before, during,

and after, which may give kids some preparedness peace of mind

8-12

Storms Miriam Busch Goin Facts and photos to help children understand what is actually happen-

ing (National Geographic Kids)

4-6

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe? Jane Yolen From crossing the street with Mama to encountering a stranger, the

playful but careful antics of these dinosaurs will make readers laugh

aloud – and prompt discussion of safety issues.

3-5

Eli the Elephant: A Tsunami Story Margaret Donald This story is told through the eyes of a wise old elephant and teaches

young children how to recognize the warning signs of a tsunami.

8-12

We Shake in a Quake Hannah G. Givon This book explains what causes earthquakes and shows to prepare for

them and keep safe during one

4-8

I Can Be a Superhero During a

Lockdown (Super Safety Series)

Rachel Tepfer Cope-

land

Written in a positive, self-arming, rst-person account, which helps

children visualize a positive ending to a potentially dicult and fright-

ening situation. Includes reassuring methods to eectively and gently

teach children how to remain safe during a lockdown

4-10

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

I Can Be a Superhero During a

Fire Drill

Rachel Tepfer Cope-

land

This book teaches the important safety skills and coping techniques

necessary to stay safe during school re drills.

4-10

Tummy Rumble Quake Heather L. Beal Reading this book is a great way for parents, child care providers, and

caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about earth-

quake safety in a non-frightening way. Children can easily relate with

these characters and their story gives children the tools and informa-

tion they need to stay safe and be prepared should an earthquake

happen.

3-8

I’M NOT Scared, I’M Prepared! Julia Cook This book will enhance the concepts taught by the ALICE Training Insti-

tute, and make them applicable to children of all ages in a non-fearful

way.

5-8

Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill Jamie Harper Learning the rules of re safety is a lot more fun (and less scary) when

demonstrated by a charming and diverse group of animals. The ani-

mals work hard to master the rules of re safety and perform the per-

fect re drill, but thinking about re is a bit nerve-wracking, and each

of them reacts dierently – often with hilarious results.

4-8

Fire Drill Paul DuBois Jacobs

and Jennifer Swender

The children in this kindergarten class know what to do when there’s

a re drill. They put down their toys and get in line. They le out of the

building, slowly and calmly. They listen to the teacher. And when the

teacher says “Okay!” the children know everything is safe. Back they go

to their classroom to learn and play.

4-7

Arthur’s Fire Drill Marc Brown When D.W.’s teacher announces that they will have a re drill, D.W.

is afraid the school is going to burn down! So Arthur gives her his re

ghter’s hat, a whistle, and a few tips on re safety, and appoints her

their home re warden. She then sets o to school prepared to take

charge.

5-8

Dinofours: It’s Fire Drill Day! Steve Metzer Albert is afraid of loud noises and his teacher, Mrs. Dee, explains why

the re bell is so loud, helping Albert get over his fear of its loud noise.

Fire safety tips are also included in this book.

5-6

Here Come the Helpers Leslie Kimmelman

and Barbara Bakos

A board book that highlights the emergency vehicles that help make

our world a better place

3-5

Rapid Responders Finn Coyle Community helper’s keep us all safe and they have special machines

that help as well. This book helps children learn what each machine

does and discover what happens when they all work together.

3-6

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

Be Careful and Stay Safe Cheri J. Meijers M.Ed. This book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous sit-

uations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan

ahead.

4-8

Yesterday We Had a Hurricane Deirdre McLaughlin

Mercier

This book tells the experience of a hurricane as seen through the eyes

of a young child. Young readers will learn all about these “big storms

that come from the ocean.” They’ll nd out about the eects of wind

and rain, as well as some of the more lighthearted and practical alter-

natives to doing without electricity.

5-6

The Sky Stirs Up Trouble Belinda Jensen Tornado siren! Bel the Weather Girl and Dylan head to the basement.

Dylan is scared the house will blow away! But soon the storm pass-

es. Some storms make tornadoes, and some don’t. Bel says she can

explain why – in the kitchen. What does baking have to do with torna-

does? Stay tuned, because every day is another weather day!

4-9

Franklin and the Thunderstorm Paulette Bourgeois Franklin is afraid of thunderstorms. When a storm approaches while

he is playing at Fox’s house, a ash of lightning sends Franklin into his

shell. He refuses to come out – even for snacks – until his friends make

him laugh with their tall tales about what causes storms. And when

Beaver explains what really causes thunder and lightning, Franklin

begins to feel much safer.

3-8

Stormy Night Salina Yoon When thunder shakes his house and rain pounds the windows, Bear

is frightened. But comforting his Mama, Papa, and Floppy helps make

the storm seem not so scary. Before Bear knows it, the storm has

passed, because even storms need their sleep… and so do bears.

3-6

Blitzed by a Blizzard Joyce L. Marovics Experience rsthand some of the world’s most destructive disasters

through the eyes of the people who survive them – combining scientif-

ic explanations of the disasters along with gripping narrative descrip-

tions, readers will learn how these survivors lived to tell their stories;

each book also discusses advances in disaster prevention and safety

procedures.

7-12

Fireboy to the Rescue!: A Fire

Safety Book

Edward Miller Here comes Fireboy to the rescue! Although res can be dangerous

and very scary, Fireboy will allay your fears by showing you what to do

if one starts at home or in school, as well as how to prevent one from

starting in the rst place. Follow Fireboy inside a busy rehouse, watch

him Stop, Drop, and Roll, and learn some fun facts about famous res

in this vibrant and practical guide to re safety.

3-8

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety

for Kids (and Dragons)

Jean E. Pendziwol While out for a walk with her mom, a little girl has the surprise of her

life – she meets a real, live, re-breathing dragon! Now this dragon is

nothing to be afraid of – in fact, he’s so friendly that she invites him

home for tea. But their afternoon snack is suddenly interrupted when

the dragon sneezes and sets the table ablaze. Luckily, the girl knows

just what to do, and she teaches her new friend to be re smart, too.

3-7

Cliord the Firehouse Dog Norman Bridwell Focuses on being prepared and evacuating in a re emergency 2-3

It’s Time to Call 911: What to Do

in an Emergency

Penton Overseas, Inc. Invites young children to practice calling 911 on a telephone keypad as

they react to accidents, res, and other emergencies.

2-4

Impatient Pamela Calls 9-1-1 Mary Koski Displaying bravery and quick thinking, Pamela rises to the occasion

again when she helps save her friend Martin after learning to call 9-1-1

in an emergency. Children are provided with an engaging role model

as Pamela and her local cat Meow-Man gure out how to stay calm

on the phone during a class and follow instructions until help arrives.

This updated edition features a more multicultural approach in which

children learn an inclusive view of the many people who can help them

in dicult situations. (Also available in Spanish)

4-8

Dial 911! (Fire Safety) Charles Ghigna and

Mark Oblinger

What should you do if there’s a re? Get to safety and call 9-1-1! This

sing along picture book lets kids practice this vital skill in a fun, safe

way. Young readers will feel like heroes as they tap their feet to this

catchy song about re safety. This paperback book comes with online

music access.

3-8

Get Out, Stay Out (Fire Safety)

Charles Ghigna and

Mark Oblinger

What should you do if there is a re in your home? Get out, stay out.

Call for help. This sing-along picture book will help kids remember this

life-saving rule. Young readers will feel like heroes as they sing along

with this catchy song about re safety. This paperback book comes

with online music access.

3-8

Plan and Prepare! (Fire Safety) Charles Ghigna and

Drew Temperante

Do you know the four rules of re safety? Have a plan. Get out fast.

Stay low. And don’t open hot doors. This sing-along picture book will

make kids want to practice these four life-saving rules over and over

again. Young readers will feel like heroes as they sing along to this

catchy song about re safety. This paperback book comes with online

music access.

3-8

800-424-2246 | [email protected]eaware.org | childcareaware.org | 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22201

Stop, Drop, and Roll! (Fire Safety) Charles Ghigna and

Drew Temperante

What should you do if ames get on your clothes? Stop, drop, and

roll! This sing-along picture book will make kids want to practice this

life-saving skill over and over again. Young readers will feel like heroes

as they sing along to this catchy song about re safety. This paperback

book comes with online music access.

3-8

Lions, Leopards, and Storms, Oh

My!: A Thunderstorm Safety Book

Heather L. Beal Lily and Niko Rabbit are at childcare when the weather changes and a

thunderstorm strikes. One of the children’s parents is a meteorologist

and he talks with the children about thunderstorms. They learn about

severe weather events like thunderstorms and what conditions these

events can bring, like, lightning, hail, and winds. They also learn what

to do to stay safe.

2-8

Stop Drop and Roll (A Book about

Fire Safety)

Margery Cuyler Jessica has always been a worrier, and learning about re safety is

making her more nervous than ever. But our favorite worrywart is

about to discover that knowing what to do in an emergency is the best

(and only ) way to extinguish her re-safety fears!

5-8

Mickey & Friends Disaster Pre-

paredness Activity Book

Disney/American Red

Cross

Disney’s Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book. Fol-

low Mickey and his friends as they get ready for severe weather! Also

available in Spanish.

http://public-static.disneystorycentral.com/ddb/red-

cross/9781423198451/index.html

Ready Wrigley CDC, Center for Pre-

paredness and Re-

sponse

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Winter Weather

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Tornadoes

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Extreme Heat

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Hurricanes

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Earthquakes

• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Flu Season

• Is There Lead in the Water?

• Flooding and Mold

http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/readywrigley/

(Also available in Spanish)

What Should I Do? If There is a

Fire (Community Connections:

What Should I Do?

Wil Mara Readers learn what to do if they are caught in a burning building, how

to prepare for such events ahead of time, and how to reach to re-

ghters.

5-6