Storm in the Night

Because a fierce storm has put out the lights, Thomas's grandfather says, ""I shall have to tell you a tale of when I was a boy.'' But Grandfather's story about his dog Melvin is prefaced by 18 pages that focus instead on Thomas's loving relationship with the peppery old man. The discursive, gentle text reflects Thomas's thoughts about sounds and memories. He wonders about the differences between grandfathers and boyshe has ``a chin as smooth as a peach'' while Grandfather has ``a voice like a tuba.'' He and his grandfather listen to the sound of rain that clatters ``on the tin roof like a million tacks,'' and, finally, Grandfather tells his story of ``how fear does strange things to people.'' Cummings's electric-blue palette is almost overwhelming in its intensity, but it beautifully captures the dance of night shadows with golden light. Ages 5-8. (March)