Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

In Tap Tap BOOM BOOM, Elizabeth Bluemle's jazzy, jangly text is matched perfectly with  G. Brian Karas's exuberant illustrations. A combination of gouache and pencil drawings and photographs of New York City. Karas's work moves with the text in this picture book snapshot of a poetic, magical moment in time.

Bluemle sets the scene with small tap, tap, taps, dark clouds and damp air. The font of the "taps" gets larger as "booms" join in and the storm rolls closer. Big weather is on the way and there is electricity in the air. A little girl in a yellow sundress holds on to her big, red umbrella and tries to keep up with her father at they race to stay dry. Like John Rocco's superb, Caldecott honor book Blackout, an uncontrollable event brings a community together. In Bluemle's book, the sudden downpour sends adults and kids racing for the subway and shelter from the rain. As they all wait out the storm together, jokes are traded, friends are made and umbrellas are shared. Climbing the steps back up, they are met with,

Outside

clear light.

Bright afternoon. 

We race

upstairs.

Shake drops 

off hair.

"Look up!"

we cry.

Surprise in sky.

Source: Review Copy