IS IT OVER?

by Sandy Brehl, Rebecca S. Hirsch (Illustrator)

IS IT OVER? celebrates the power of love and storytelling to overcome fear. A prowling, growling thunderstorm sends Risa running to Daddy, begging him to make it stop. When the storm worsens, Risa asks for a story, but Daddy's time as a soldier changed his childhood view of storms. Inspired by her stuffed toy elephant, Ivan, Risa summons the courage to find her own story in the storm, one that helps them both.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 6, 2021

About the author

Books have been a central part of Sandy's life since bedtime read-alouds with siblings. Reading and writing with and for her students during her long teaching career led to some publications in magazines and journals.
When Sandy retired from teaching and joined SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) she gained a critique group and took part in professional workshops and conferences. The development of her writing craft and extensive research led to the publication of Odin's Promise.
She writes picture book text, poetry, early reader paneled text, and professional articles on developing reading with quality literature.
Sandy hosts a blog about the use of picture books for all ages at http://UnpackingPictureBookPower.blog....

Reviews

[Kira Bigwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

IS IT OVER? by Sandy Brehl and illustrated by Rebecca S. Hirsch, is a beautiful story of conquering fear with love. Main character, Risa, is scared during a loud thunderstorm, and is surprised to find out her dad is also afraid. Risa finds inspiration in her stuffed animal and together with her father, they use storytelling to comfort each other and get through the storm. Brehl’s sparse, lyrical text leaves room for Hirsch’s stunning artwork, and the result is a book sure to be well-loved by kids and grown-ups alike. Highly recommend!

[Judy Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poetic prose of author Sandy Brehl and fanciful art of illustrator Rebecca Hirsch form a perfect partnership in Is It Over? When a storm strikes, young Risa runs to Daddy for comfort, only to discover that his time spent as a soldier has made Daddy afraid of storms too. Ultimately, father and daughter comfort each other as they find the stories hidden in the stormy sky. This is the perfect book to read to a preschooler when the skies turn dark and thunder booms. It offers a doorway into meaningful conversation about the experience of veterans, what frightens us, and how imagination can be a comfort. Highly recommended.

[Amy Laundrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this layered picture book about a child’s fear of storms during a lightning and thunder downpour. I’ve since reread it several times, and I always find a deeper message, especially because of Rebecca Hirsch’s powerful illustrations. The child, Risa, asks for a story to calm herself. The father, who was a soldier and also fears the storm, is not able to help his daughter. Risa tells the story of a herd of elephants which chase the storm clouds away. She’s so caught up in her fantasy and helping her father, she’s surprised at how quickly the storm ends.
Sandy Brehl is a retired teacher and the talented author of the Odin’s Promise trilogy.

[Janet Halfmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories in the Thunderclouds
Risa’s father can’t tell his daughter a story to comfort her in a storm because of his war experiences. So Risa, inspired by her toy elephant Ivan, comes up with her own story to comfort them both. She finds her story in the storm clouds, which take the shape of wondrous elephants. For our young grandsons, the animal-shaped clouds are their favorite part. Sandy Brehl’s poetic prose and Rebecca Hirsch’s magical illustrations envelop readers in a storytelling journey where KABOOMs (or other fears) fade away.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure- I am the author of this book, but in order to start the review ball rolling, I am posting this to RAVE about the remarkably rich and yet simple illustrations by Rebecca S Hirsch. She took my words and plumbed the depths of heart and humor and love.
I hope you will take a look, and possibly leave a review!
Meanwhile, as I sign this book, SHARE YOUR STORIES< and as Rebecca signs it, IMAGINE!

[Rochelle Melander · Rating 5 out of 5]

IS IT OVER? (Written by Sandy Brehl and Illustrated by Rebecca S. Hirsch) is a picture book celebrating how telling stories can help us connect with each other and overcome fear. In IS IT OVER?, a growling thunderstorm scares Risa. She runs to her Daddy for help, but his time as a soldier has left him fearful of storms, too. Daddy does remember that he used to love storms and that stories helped. Inspired by her Daddy and her stuffed elephant Ivan, Risa crafts a story to help everyone face their fears and ride out the storm. Brehl’s rhythmic text take the reader right into the center of the storm with phrases like “Winds howl! Clouds prowl! Waves pound.” The dialogue shows a loving relationship between the family members, including Ivan! Hirsch’s evocative illustrations will carry readers on a wave of emotion through the storm to sunnier skies. IS IT OVER? is a must-read for any family who faces storms and even fears them but believes in the power of storytelling to find safety and love.

[Kathleen Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book that may help to alleviate the fear of loud booming storms in both adults and kids.