Books for a Rainy Day

The weather has been CRAZY this winter. Last week it was nearly 75 degrees and sunny for six days – warm enough for t-shirts and long outdoor strolls. Reality check: This is Chicago. I can’t remember the last time it snowed. Does this sound like February???

Well, last night, after a nearly totally dry winter….it rained. The huge heavy drops kind of rain. Which made me think of this great book that kids and adults alike will relish with a knowing smile.

Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse, illustrated by John J. Muth

It’s hot and sticky in the city and Tessie is looking for rain. She stands on her apartment balcony, all arms and legs, watching the clouds gather, coaxing the rain to come. She leaves her post to entice her friends to join her, running and reaching high and gulping in the big drops as the rain begins to fall. And then the mamas join in.

The words and the pictures blend in poetic images. “Clouds rolling in,/ gray clouds, bunched and bulging under a purple sky,” And when the clouds open, “We turn in circles,/ glistening in our rain skin.”

A wonderful read in anticipation of spring.

Pegged for ages 4-8.

Share your favorite books about rain!