Rain

by Cynthia Rylant (Author) Lisa Congdon (Illustrator)

Rain
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade
From Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant comes a vibrantly illustrated, poetic picture book tribute to the beauty and magic of a rainy day.

There is a softness and a quiet before the rain comes…

When rain is on its way, some people and animals hurry home and get cozy inside. But others stay out to soak up the glorious showers! Wet drops bounce on leaves and roofs, creeks fill up, trees take a shower, cats have a show, and everyone relishes the rain.

With lyrical words by award-winning author Cynthia Rylant and vibrant pictures by celebrated artist Lisa Congdon, this evocative picture book shows that rain is good for everyone.
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$18.99

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Kirkus

As soothing as the patter of rain against a window.

Publishers Weekly

Via keen observation and soothing repetition, lilting text from Rylant (Life) celebrates rain's onset, and its regenerative, nourishing power. "There is a softness/ and a quiet/ before the rain comes," anticipatory lines begin. In patterned digital spreads that make fine use of blues, greens, oranges, pinks, and yellows, Congdon (Round) establishes the poem's setting--a two-story home with a garden and a greenhouse, and, nearby, a fenced park with a pond. As clouds overtake the golden sun, birds "fly in with weather reports," and the trees whisper to the squirrels, "Hurry home." This refrain recurs as children, then animals, seek cover. Only the rain-booted legs of the children, portrayed with brown skin, are seen as they head home, aware of the storm: "Oh, they knew even before the trees knew. They watched as the sky changed." Everyone retreats but the ducks: "Mama ducks gather up the babies/ and promise them/ a glorious day!" Because rain, "wonderful, free rain," brings respite and gifts, this book firmly suggests, "every living thing/ will be better." Ages 3-8. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle. (Apr.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--This gentle ode to the wonders of a rain shower opens with a spread depicting an idyllic scene: a house, a garden, a pond, trees, frolicking animals--but sharp-eyed readers may notice that the sun is obscured by clouds. Rain is on the way. The next pages follow various creatures as they anticipate the oncoming rain. While most take shelter when the skies begin to darken, a few animals stay outside to revel in the showers. While each creature has a different reaction, the rain is clearly a welcome change of events for all. Rylant's soothing prose conveys that this ritual of preparing for and experiencing rain is cyclical and instinctive, something that has happened before and will happen again. There is an uplifting emphasis on the benefits of rain: "And after it stops falling and the sun starts to shine, flowers will grow even taller, gardens will grow more beans, and every living thing will be better." Congdon's inviting digital illustrations take the narrative full circle by concluding with the same scene that greeted readers in those first pages, only everything looks a little more vibrant after the showers, and a rainbow shines above. VERDICT This quiet, heartwarming story is a lovely tribute to nature's rhythms. Ideal for a weather-themed story hour or a cozy read-aloud at bedtime, this title is a welcome addition to any picture book collection.--Allison Tran

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

The gentle, uplifting text and the cheerful illustrations make this a good candidate for bedtime or naptime read-alouds.... As soothing as the patter of rain against a window. —Kirkus Reviews
Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than 100 books for young people, including the beloved Henry and Mudge, Annie and Snowball, Brownie & Pearl, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Lisa Congdon is an author, illustrator, and fine artist. Her books include Round by Jennifer Ward and, for adults, her own Whatever You Are, Be a Good One; Art, Inc.; Fortune Favors the Brave; and The Joy of Swimming. She lives in Portland, Oregon. You can see more of her work at LisaCongdon.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781442465091
Lexile Measure
450
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Beach Lane Books
Publication date
April 25, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV009000 - Juvenile Fiction | Concepts | General
JUV029020 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Weather
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Rain and rainfall

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