Sometimes Stormy

Help children ages 5-8 understand and cope with a parent’s substance use disorder

Sometimes Stormy explores what it’s like to live with a parent struggling with alcohol use disorder. A young boy named Ezra realizes his dad is plagued by a troubling storm—the Sometimes Storm—that sometimes visits their home and changes Dad. He goes searching for the storm’s favorite thing, hoping that he can make it go away. But when the storm persists, Ezra turns to caring adults, who help him discover how to live with the Sometimes Storm instead.

This empathetic book includes a note from author Amanda Davis, relaying her inspiration for the story and setting the stage for a difficult but necessary topic. The book includes additional support materials, including a glossary, a message to adults, and online resources. With Sometimes Stormy, children can gain the skills and understanding to cope with a situation that is out of their control.

• Offers an age-appropriate explanation of alcohol use disorder
• Models strategies for coping with a stressful home situation
• Teaches children to seek support from a trusted adult
• Explains that adult addiction is not a child’s fault or responsibility to fix
• Contains helpful resources for children and families

Sometimes Stormy is for children from all backgrounds and the adults who support them. It’s an excellent resource for parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and others who need to help children understand that substance use is not their fault and how to find calm and stay safe when the storm surges.

Sometimes Stormy is a 2025 Endies Endpaper Award Winner in the Best Abstract category.