Review by Booklist Review
In this companion to Snow (2015), the young narrator and his grandfather are once again hostages to the weather. The boy would like to go outside, and the rain doesn't bother him a bit. When else can you catch raindrops and see everything upside down in puddles? Granddad, however, says, Let's wait for the rain to stop. But stop it doesn't. As the boy daydreams of rainy-day fun, sharp eyes will note Granddad is busy, too. Is that a love letter he's writing? Finally, it's time to go out into a soaked, shimmering world where gondolas filled with jesters, jugglers, ducks, and queens float through the flooded streets, finally arriving at a mailbox where Granddad lets the boy mail the important letter. The simple story line is made magical by Usher's watercolor-and-ink artwork, a mix of Bob Graham and Quentin Blake, but his charming elaborations give the pictures a feel all their own. This is especially true in the spreads that capture the blurry, mesmerizing moments of rain and the sunshine moment when you step outside.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-In a suitable sequel to the author's Snow, Sam can't wait until he is "out in the rain. You can catch raindrops, splash in puddles, and look at everything upside down." Granddad and his young grandson watch through the window as drops fall steadily, increasing until the street disappears in a steady downpour. They wait and wait, one reading about sea monsters and dreaming of floating cities-the other patiently writing letters. Watery reflections reveal a post-rain world outside of the ordinary, with boats, boots, umbrellas, raincoats, and upside-down escapades. The young "Captain" of his boat greets a watery city of acrobats and carnivals while mailing Granddad's letters, a treat worth waiting for ("the very best things are always worth waiting for."). Sharp-eyed children will note the hidden watercolor and pen-and-ink images of toys from the boy's room-animated in the cartoon dreams of his adventurous thoughts. Written with simplicity for the very young, the text supports the wonder of imagination in children of all ages and the understanding of special family relationships between generations. VERDICT A first purchase recommendation for all libraries.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Seeing the window beaded with morning raindrops, the white child narrator can't wait to get out into the wet, but Granddad says they should wait until the weather clears. The second installment of a four-part seasonal series (Snow, 2015), this cheery British import celebrates patience, gleeful fulfillmentand rain. The narrator longs to "catch raindrops, splash in puddles, and look at everything upside down." But Granddad's busy writing a letter. Ink drawings (deftly executed and weighted) show redheaded child and bald, paunchy, smiling grandfather amicably indoors together while the rain continues outside. Pleasing primary colors pool both in the homey inside vignettes, appearing like puddles on the blank page, and in the rain-soaked, outdoor double-page spreads. Granddad finally gets giddy about mailing his letter, and the two cross the threshold to behold reflective waters lapping right up to the top step, mirroring the sky and house, creating a topsy-turvy, upside-down, wavy world. Young readers will feel exhilarated by this altered reality, etched out brilliantly with lithe linework and gorgeous washes of color. When Granddad and the boy climb aboard a boat and encounter a carnival boat party, readers will revel in the expansive, exciting scene: goofy gondoliers, bouncing musicians, jingling jesters, a picnicking king and queen, a dark-skinned family enjoying teatime, flapping flags and pennants, soaring polka dots and stripes. Bright, colorful joy for the rainiest of days. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
