Rain Rain Rivers Written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz c1969 Farrar, Straus and Giroux : New York
Classic Picture Books Celebrating Rain
When rain begins in the city, a child imagines it falling in the hills, on ponds and streams, and rushing in rivers to the sea. This simple story builds appreciation for a day of gentle rain. What sights, sounds, and scents are to be experienced?
Rain Rain Rivers was named a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year. Perfect for 4 to 8-year-olds.
Peter Spier’s Rain Illustrated by Peter Spier c1982 Doubleday : New York
A brother and sister have an adventure exploring their neighborhood in the pouring rain. This wordless picture book can be “read” by children ages 4 and up. Copies of this book are available from Thriftbooks and other used book vendors. It can also be accessed on Internet Archive. It is well worth scouting out a copy!
Where Do They Go When it Rains Written and illustrated by Gerda Muller c 2010, later editions 2021. Floris Books : Edinburgh
Have you ever wondered what butterflies do when it rains? Where do the baby ducklings go? Two young twins accompanied by an older friend explore their wet country world during a rainstorm. A simple text is wonderfully illustrated by Dutch artist Gerda Muller. She has illustrated over 100 books for children, and is well known for her detailed and beautiful depictions of the natural world. Many of her books are available from Floris Books. I featured some of her titles at every book fair.
A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman c1966 Published by Viking Press / Puffin Books
This Preschool to Kindergarten classic is always a hit at story time. The idea of having a rainbow to play with for a while is very appealing. How the boy in the story ends up with a rainbow of his own is a sweet surprise at the end. I always sent the children off with a rainbow picture to color.
Thunder Cake Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco c1990 Philomel Books Paperback edition c1997 Puffin Books
I have reviewed this book in one of my early posts, but it belongs here as well. A young girl is afraid of the loud thunder heralding the approach of a storm. Her grandmother distracts her by getting her to help her assemble the ingredients and bake a genuine Thunder Cake. Getting busy is a wonderful cure for fears. The recipe is included in the book and there are amazing photos of Thunder cakes readers have made on the internet. A delicious story indeed!
A Drop of Water by Walter Wick c1997 Scholastic Press : New York
For those who might prefer a non-fiction title, A Drop Of Water is just the thing. Walter Wick is known for his clear and eye catching photographs. This 40 page book introduces readers aged 4-to-8 to the science of water in its various states. Simple experiments help students explore ice, steam, evaporation and other concepts. The photos definitely do steal the show.
