I Am a Tornado - by Drew Beckmeyer (Hardcover)

About the Book

An angry, destructive tornado picks up an empathetic cow, and when Cow politely asks to be put down, the two enter a conversation that has some unforeseen results.

Book Synopsis

An emotionally unaware tornado carves a path of destruction until it picks up a very empathetic cow in this quirky and sweet picture book about compassion and navigating negative emotions from Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Drew Beckmeyer.

Tornado is on a rampage. It tosses cars and knocks over barns. Tornado is also angry, only it doesn't know that or want to admit it. Then Tornado picks up Cow. Oh, no! Cow would like to be put down. Fortunately, Cow is a good listener. And sometimes Tornado just needs to be heard.

Review Quotes

* "[I Am a Tornado] is so hilarious and psychologically astute that any other authors contemplating a picture book about a cow playing therapist to a whirling windstorm should probably think twice, as their offering is unlikely to measure up to this one. . . It's all as wonderfully wacky as it sounds." --Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

* "The writing could not be more preschooler friendly, the subtext available for discussion among young elementary readers, and paired with a more fact-based book, this is a winning lesson for all kinds of turmoil. VERDICT With humor and grace, Beckmeyer's wide-eyed characters convey emotions bridging science topics and SEL, putting this whirlwind of a book within the grasp of readers across a broad age range." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"As an anthropomorphized tornado wreaks havoc, a cow caught and carried along does its best to de-escalate things. Related via their conversations and Beckmeyer's animated, cut-paper illustrations . . . the boisterous story does nicely portray the ways intense weather (and moods) will eventually abate." --Booklist

"In an entertaining story about the power of compassion, an anthropomorphic tornado finds an empathetic ear--and some emotional support--from an unexpected source. . . Beckmeyer delivers a relatable, conversational power-down that is by turns gentle, funny, and vulnerable." --Publishers Weekly

"Colorful illustrations reminiscent of paper cutouts create a dynamic, cartoonish impression that adds humor without downplaying the tornado's reckless destruction. . .The tornado's big feelings and actions will initially amuse and draw children in. . . An endearing portrayal of an emotional meltdown told with humor and compassion." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Drew Beckmeyer received a Caldecott Honor for his picture book Stalactite & Stalagmite. He is an author-illustrator and schoolteacher based in Los Angeles. He is the author-illustrator of I Am a Tornado, The First Week of School, Stalactite & Stalagmite, and The Long Island, which was longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize, and the illustrator of Dear Wild Child. Visit him online at DrewBeckmeyer.com.