Blog post: 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in children’s literature
Natural disasters around the world can be very devastating and life-changing for many people of all ages. These events can be portrayed through various nonfiction books that describe all the detailed statistics and news stories, however, some of these events can leave lasting effects that are portrayed through fictional literature. The devastating Tsunami that arose from an earthquake in the Indian Ocean in 2004 produced massive waves up to 100 ft. This specific event killed over 200,000 people on the surrounding shores of the Indian Ocean. This was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history and this event is portrayed in various children’s books. For example, Elephants of the Tsunami is a picture book by Jana Liaz that illustrates this tragic event to children but in a way that is not so traumatic. In this book, 8 different elephants escaped and save hundreds of people from the Tsunami. This book reminds people of the tragedies that struck this area and also provides a way for children to comprehend and digest the tragedy that struck. Another book called Surviving Disasters: Chika and the Angry Ocean by Suroopa Mukherjee describes this event through a story about a little boy from a tribe who receives information from an old man about a Tsunami that is coming and uses this information to save people from this natural disaster.
Both of these books seem to portray the event in a respectful manner that helps readers understand and remember the events that took place during the natural disaster. They also seem to portray the events in a way where there is some other force that saves people from the disaster. This gives children a sense of hope and brings light to the heroic and courageous acts that took place. Natural disasters can be historical events that really affect a large population of people. That being said, it is important for natural disasters to be accurately and respectfully represented through children’s literature.
Books about natural disasters can also spark a conversation between children and parents about preparing for such an event. There can be a lot of fear associated with such an event and having these open discussions about preparedness can help alleviate some of these fears and anxieties. Natural Disasters happen all over the world and this can be a way for children to find common ground with their peers from around the world because they are able to relate about such events that have happened in their lives or in their communities historically.
Works Cited:
Liaz, Jana (2005) Elephants of the Tsunami EarthBound Books
Mukherjee, Suroopa (2014) Surviving Disasters: Chika and the Angry Ocean The Energy and Resources Institute