When Thunder Rumbles, Let the Storm Roll

The sky darkens suddenly. The breeze gets still. And just as the heat becomes too much to bear—BOOM! A summer thunderstorm rolls in.

Not every rainy day is meant for splashing in puddles. When thunder and lightning are close by, the backyard goes quiet, the birds tuck in, and kids come running to the porch, wide-eyed and full of questions.

What if, instead of wishing the rain away, what if we took advantage of the opportunity? Summer storms slow us down in the best way. Thunder may shake the windows, but it also brings stories, snuggles, and space for creative play. With rain on the forecast, head to your local library for a few of these, build your fort and get ready.

These are a few beautiful books to keep on your summer shelf for when the skies grow loud:

• Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco – A grandmother helps a nervous girl face a storm with the help of a chocolate cake. A summer classic.

• Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle – A rhythmic read that mirrors the beat of a sudden city thunderstorm.

• Storm by Sam Usher – Full of curiosity and imagination, this story follows a boy and his granddad through the waiting and wonder.

• Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse – Lush and poetic, this one captures the build-up of summer heat and the joy of the first cooling drops.

• All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon – A gentle reminder that even stormy days are part of the beauty of life.

Simple Ideas for Indoor Summer Fun

When thunder rolls and outdoor play takes a pause, try:

• Painting with watercolors, making the paint drip drop on to the paper

• Creating your own “thunder cake” (or muffins, or pretend tea!)

• Building a cozy fort with fairy lights and reading books inside

• Run a bubble bath with lots of cups and bowls for pouring water

• Create an obstacle course inside the house

It’s easy to feel stuck indoors when summer promises adventure. But hot summer thunderstorms offer a different kind of magic: connection, calm, creativity. They remind us that not all joy is loud or bright—sometimes it sounds like distant thunder and feels like a story told under a blanket.

So, the next time the skies turn grey, and the air hums with anticipation, gather your littles close. Let the storm roll. There’s beauty in this too.