Books Like Waiting Out the Storm
Families who loved Waiting Out the Storm by JoAnn Early Macken often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Waiting Out the Storm by JoAnn Early Macken often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when the sky turns gray and your child begins to retreat under the blankets or cling to your side. It is specifically designed for children who experience sensory overwhelm or anxiety during thunderstorms. Through a rhythmic, poetic dialogue between a mother and her daughter, the story reframes the intimidating sounds of nature as a predictable, even beautiful, symphony. It validates a child's fear without dismissing it, offering a soothing model for how to process scary environmental stimuli. While the book functions as a calming bedtime read, it also serves a practical educational purpose by explaining the elements of a storm (the wind, the lightning, the thunder) in a way that feels safe. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 3 to 7) who are developing an awareness of the natural world. Parents will appreciate the gentle tone and the way it reinforces the security of the parent-child bond during moments of uncertainty.
