reviews

?...A combination of staccato text and simple yet heart-wrenching collage art, brings the devastation to a level kids can understand...The children all added pieces to the various collages, but there?s a strong cohesive look to the appealing art. This will be of great value to children who lived through Katrina as well as those who have had questions after watching the horrific storm on TV. --Ilene Cooper, BookListOnline.Com, American Library Association

This extraordinary book, the pages of which I first saw only weeks after the hurricane, stands as a testament to the gifts of a remarkable teacher, and to the insights, courage and hope of her students. Each time I work my way through this book, I am touched by the wisdom of these children, who, to paraphrase William Faulkner, have not merely endured - but have prevailed. Their witness to both the stark truth of their tragedy and their abiding hope is a gift to a much wider world who dares to believe that resurrection and life have broken the power of death.
  --The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III, IX Episcopal Bishop of Mississippi

Story of a Storm touches deep, universal emotions, helping children and adults alike to really feel Hurricane Katrina. Feeling is healing. Beautifully done!
  --Nancy H. Arrington, L.C.S.W., Licensed Clinical Social Worker

What a wonderful way to help children express their thoughts and project their feelings about this traumatic storm. Story of a Storm will make it much easier for other children to label their fears and share their worries. Parents, teachers, and counselors will find this book a very valuable tool in helping children address their pain and losses, and continue the healing process. I appreciate the author's efforts and generosity in providing us with this creative and beneficial resource.
  --R. L. Douglas, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology

Story of a Storm is a powerful example of how tragedy and devastation can be used to uplift and heal through artistic expression. What a wonderful gift of hope from Reona Visser and our Mississippi children!
  --Sallye Killebrew, MS Artist Recovery Coordinator, Mississippi Arts Commission

We are seeing many children through the long-term, emotional recovery process in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Story of a Storm will be a very useful tool for us, as we help children express feelings about their traumatic experiences and move toward their futures with optimism and hope. We plan to have books in the waiting room to greet children when they arrive here for appointments.
  --Linda Raff, Director of Catholic Charities of Jackson, MS

Story of a Storm shows just how resilient children can be. When today's children grow up to tell the story of Katrina, I pray this is the story they tell. ?Storms are bad; people are good.' Wow, what a story. If only every child could have the book!
  --Lee Lee Marlow, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist



Quail Ridge Press is now shipping and taking new orders for the third printing of Story of a Storm and is presenting another $25,000 check at Coast Episcopal School this month, representing proceeds from sales since first printing.

With the destruction of a second printing by typhoons in Korea, we scrambled to secure another printer to make certain to have books for Christmas 2006. Amazingly, the second edition SOLD OUT before it was delivered and a third printing was ordered immediately.

Please help us sell out this printing, too. THANK YOU for your support! : )


Hurricane Katrina was coming. So begins Story of a Storm, a vividly illustrated story book by Reona Visser and children of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, about the hurricane and its effects on cities, families, and countless individual lives.

The story is told through creative and collaborative collage art with a simple story that expresses profound emotions and describes the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. The story begins with preparation and evacuation, moves through the stresses of being displaced and not knowing the whereabouts of loved ones or the condition of one's home and belongings, and ends with a message of the persistence of hope.

Order now at quailridge.com or visit our "donate" page for information on quantity orders and donations.

ALL proceeds benefit the Hurricane Relief Fund at Coast Episcopal School to assist the families of students and faculty, 85% of whom were left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

Story of a Storm | $15.95

ISBN 1-893062-86-4 | 11 x 8.5 inches - 32 pages - full-color illustrations - hardcover with jacket

Please order today!

  • Third printing now selling. Check presentation scheduled at Coast for this month
  • Second printing sells out before delivery! Third printing has been ordered
  • Second Edition Delivery Delayed Due to Devastating Typhoons in the Pacific
  • First Edition Sold Out; Clarion-Ledger Features Book in 'Southern Style' Feature
  • First Edition Deliveries Begin Week of April 24!
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    Story of a Storm - book, photos and text ©2005 Reona Visser. All rights reserved.
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