When Lightning Comes in a Jar
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2002 · Est. 17 min read-aloud

When Lightning Comes in a Jar

Written & illustrated by Patricia Polacco

A family reunion holds a magical secret: catching lightning in a jar.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 855 ratings
48 pages· 2,197 words· Est. 17 min read-aloud
$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

At a lively family reunion, Trisha and her cousins revel in traditions, from feasts to softball. This year, Gramma unveils a mysterious surprise: the art of catching lightning in a jar. Eager to uncover this secret, Trisha imagines passing it down through generations, alongside cherished family stories. What magic awaits in this enchanting tradition?

From the publisher

It’s family reunion time! Trisha and her cousins can hardly wait to see one another again. They can’t decide what they like best: the great feast (with zillions of meatloafs and gazillions of Jell-O salads), the softball game, the storytelling . . . the yearly rituals go on and on. But this year, Gramma has a new surprise in store: She promises to teach the grandchildren to catch lightning in a jar. Lightning in a jar! Trisha can’t wait to find out what she means. It’s a secret she will pass down to her own grandchildren one day, along with the family stories handed down with love through all the generations.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
48
Words
2,197
Reading age
6–9
Audience
Picture
Lexile
700L
Themes & topics
Books about grandmaBooks about summerBooks about familyBooks about family lifeBooks about multigenerational
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author & illustrator

More from Patricia Polacco

Explore Patricia's bookshelf
Christmas Tapestry
Sale price
$999

Christmas Tapestry

Ages 6–9 · 2002

The Art of Miss Chew

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Thank You, Mr. Falker

Ages 5–8 · 1998

Rechenka's Eggs

Ages 4–8 · 1988
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1800

Garmann's Summer

Ages 5–8 · 2006

When Jessie Came Across the Sea

Ages 6–9 · 1997

Bird

Ages 7–10 · 2008
Holes in the Sky
Sale price
$1899

Holes in the Sky

Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Raft

Ages 4–8 · 2000

The Blessing Cup

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Grandma's Tipi

Ages 4–8 · 2023

I Will Come Back for You

Ages 5–9 · 2011
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4
F&P level
~Q
Scholastic level
M
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
59932
Publication
Published
June 3, 2002
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780399231643

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Mamabearian

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo