I like the message of safety and the weather-related vocabulary presented in Hurricane Vacation. The vocabulary is introduced and explained through the natural flow of the story that makes it easy for young readers to understand. Another bonus feature are the discussion questions, safety activities resources provided at the end of the book. They’re a perfect segue for a focused discussion on following directions and emergency preparedness.

The illustrations are colorful, full of wonderful details and compliment the story nicely.

However, the story could do with another round of editing. There are several grammatical mistakes and I found it difficult to follow who the characters, Emma and Lily, were in the beginning.

I also think the author should have touched on the emotions the children were feeling during the experience. An abrupt evacuation would cause anxiety in children. Showing how the characters in the story dealt with their unexpected circumstances would help young readers learn how to cope with their own stressful situations.

Heather was raised to give 100% to every endeavor. Since her earliest experiences in Girl Scouts, numerous volunteer events and organizations, she has always sought to make a difference.

After graduating college, she served our country with 23 years of distinguished Naval service. Dedicated to self-improvement, she obtained masters degrees in Asian studies, conflict resolution, cyber security policy and emergency management while on active duty. She is qualified as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with the International Association of Emergency Mangers. She is currently working on a PhD in Emergency Management with a special study focus on childcare recovery.

As a working parent of two, she became aware of just how much of a gap existed in emergency preparedness and recovery training and resources for childcare providers and vowed to use her experiences, education, and more importantly, motivation, to help improve current limitations. In addition to publishing books to help teach children about what to do in case of disaster, she has also created a nonprofit, BLOCKS. BLOCKS’ mission is to help prepare childcare for disaster.

What did you think of Hurricane Vacation? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!