Peko Pal
The Winter Storm Patrol
When a huge winter storm threatens to flood the otter tunnels, junior inspectors Splash and Ripple must prove they are ready for the job. Brandt and Carter learn that the bravest thing a team can do is call in the right kind of help.
- Ages
- 5–7
- Length
- 36 min, 8 chapters
- Feel
- Some suspense
- Wi-Fi to play
- Not needed
Why parents pick it
A big winter storm floods a creek, and two young otters who once made a mistake get the chance to do their job well. The story shows what to do when a problem is too big for you: look carefully, stay out of fast water, and get the right adults involved. Brandt and Carter take the lead, but the heroes of the story are the junior inspectors.
Good fit if your child…
- is curious about storms, rain and how storm drains work
- needs to hear that asking for help is brave, not giving up
- likes stories where a team each has a job to do
Listen to a preview
From Chapter 1
Rain drummed on the classroom windows all through math. By lunchtime, it was still going, harder than before.
"Big one coming tonight," Mr. Tom said, wheeling his cart of mops past Brandt and Carter's table in the cafeteria. "Weather folks are calling it an atmospheric river. Fancy name for a whole lot of rain in a hurry."
Brandt looked up from his tray. "How much rain?"
"Enough that the creek's going to be running high for days," Mr. Tom said. He lowered his voice, even though the cafeteria was loud enough that nobody else could hear. "You two might want to check on your friends before it really gets going."
Carter's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "You mean...?"
Mr. Tom just nodded and kept walking, whistling like he hadn't said anything at all.
What happens
A huge winter storm is coming, and school custodian Mr. Tom quietly suggests that Brandt and Carter check on their friends. In the tunnels, Oliver is watching the rising creek while young otters Splash and Ripple, the colony's junior tunnel inspectors, report a storm drain near the park that is backing up. Brandt and Carter find a branch jammed across the grate and must decide what to do about fast, muddy water that nobody should go near.
This gentle, suspenseful story shows children how to stay safe: tell a trusted adult, call the right helpers, and use teamwork and a clever idea from Jasper to protect the youngest otters sleeping in the nursery chamber.
For the grown-up
What they get from it. Children see why fast flood water is dangerous even when it looks calm, how a blocked drain makes water back up, and why you report a problem to the people who can fix it. They also see that trust can be earned back after a mistake.
Before you play it. There is steady suspense in the middle chapters: rising water, a worry that the youngest otter kits' chamber could flood overnight, and a few hours of waiting. The children stay out of the fast water, adults help, and everyone ends up safe.
Ask your child afterwards:
- Why did Brandt decide not to pull the branch out himself?
- When is it brave to ask for help? Can you think of a time you did?
- Splash and Ripple made a big mistake once. How did they earn trust back?
Chapters
- Storm WarningA custodian's quiet hint, a swollen creek, and two young otters rushing in soaked.
- The PatrolSomething is blocking the storm drain, and the water is climbing fast.
- Too Big to HandleThe tunnels have handled rain before, but not a night like this.
- The SignalA phone call, a custodian who can be trusted, and an idea from Jasper.
- A Plan with the CityTwo young otters dig a channel to steer the water away, with the clock ticking.
- Waiting It OutDinner at home, a phone call, and a rainy drive to see the drain.
- The Drain ClearsMorning light, a dry nursery, and some big news for two muddy otters.
- Full InspectorsA small celebration, a new tradition, and a toast to the Winter Storm Patrol.
Themes
Common questions
- What age is The Winter Storm Patrol for?
- It is written for ages 5–7.
- How long is The Winter Storm Patrol?
- 8 chapters, about 36 min in all.
- Is The Winter Storm Patrol scary?
- There is steady suspense in the middle chapters: rising water, a worry that the youngest otter kits' chamber could flood overnight, and a few hours of waiting. The children stay out of the fast water, adults help, and everyone ends up safe.
- Does it need Wi-Fi?
- No. Once it is on the Pal, it plays without Wi-Fi.
Playing it on the Pal
Press the button to play or pause. Tap left or right to skip back or ahead 15 seconds, double-tap for the previous or next chapter, or triple-tap left to start the book over. Up and down switch to another book. It picks up where you left off.