Rain is wet!

PreS-Gr 1--Best buddies Sniff and Scratch are on a learning adventure. First, they encounter rain. They don't really know what to make of it, but overcome their hesitation and discover some things about it. Next, they notice a string and decide to investigate. Finally, they hear loud noises and see flashes of light that scare them; they decide to hide until they feel safe. Fang and Leal have done another wonderful job in this third book of the "Best Buddies" series. The use of dialogue bubbles with additional text and bright, colorful illustrations is a combination that emerging readers will be able to use to boost their reading skills and vocabulary. Most importantly, the last chapter where the friends are afraid during a bad storm gives parents, caregivers, and educators an opportunity to talk to young children about what storms are, what causes them, and what to do during them to ensure that they are safe. VERDICT A great addition to any children's collection.--Laura Ellis