Rain

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.)

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