Review by School Library Journal Review
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
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An ode to the rain reveals the cyclical nature of seasons. Addressing the rain directly, a child celebrates all that is wonderful about rain, including its "fresh happy smell," the muddy puddles it creates, and the water it provides for plants. Pale-skinned and dark-haired with round dot eyes and pink circles on their cheeks, the Asian-presenting narrator thanks the rain for "the water for my bath / and for Mom's herbal tea." Saturated colors and lush patterns bring a vibrancy to the landscapes, while a variety of compositions ranging from full-page spreads to smaller vignettes add depth. The rain properly glorified, the poem cleverly shifts in tone. "But maybe that's enough now, Rain." Creeks are full, animals are huddled under the foliage, and the child must hug their dog close during the thunder. The rain does stop eventually, and outdoor activities resume, including riding a scooter and running through sprinklers. But the hot weather becomes unbearable, and the child implores the rain, "Don't stay gone forever." The grass turns brown, and the plants are thirsty. Finally, as the book comes full circle, the rain returns. "Welcome, Rain!" Those who live in climates where the rain disappears for months at a time will especially appreciate the cycle of wet and dry seasons, but children everywhere will identify with the different experiences that rain (or no rain) brings. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A joyful and nuanced take on a popular subject. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
