Welcome, Rain!

A joyful and nuanced take on a popular subject.

PreS-K—A nameless child directly addresses the rain throughout the changing seasons, highlighting the way emotions shift when it comes to weather. At the beginning of the story, the girl is laughing and splashing in puddles with her little brother, but when the creeks fill up and a thunderstorm arrives, she wishes for the rain to stop. Soon, the clouds clear and the sun comes out again. The girl enjoys running through the sprinklers and playing in the pool, but soon the summer heat becomes unbearable. The girl wishes for the rain to return. The book comes full circle as she welcomes the rain once again. As she splashes in puddles with her friends, the book closes with one final request: "Could you please come again as snow?" Wei's delightful illustrations fully enliven this story with colorful and dynamic compositions. McFarlane presents an array of relatable emotions and sensory experiences that will resonate for most children. At times, the prose becomes repetitive, without offering much insight into a familiar topic. However, this book is still engaging to those curious about the myriad moods of the changing seasons. VERDICT A simple tribute to a perennial subject, and a good additional purchase.—Jillian Girardeau