About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant family loss or if the 'grown-ups' in their life are currently overwhelmed and emotionally unavailable. It is a perfect fit for children who mask their sadness with humor or who feel a heavy sense of responsibility for 'fixing' their family. The story follows Boom Broom, a young boy whose mother was taken by a tornado, leaving his father and grandfather paralyzed by agoraphobia and grief. While the premise sounds heavy, Suzanne Selfors uses a whimsical, absurdist lens to explore these themes. When Boom discovers a magical, wish-granting merbaby, he believes he can finally solve his family's problems, only to realize that shortcuts and magic come with unexpected consequences. It is a quirky, fast-paced adventure for ages 8 to 12 that balances genuine heartache with hilariously strange Viking neighbors and magical mayhem. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire to 'save' their parents while gently guiding them toward acceptance and the importance of real-world resilience.
