Rain

Who wouldn't want to be out playing in the pouring rain? Rain written and beautifully illustrated by Sam Usher, is a book about a little boy who wakes one morning to find the rain tapping at his window. He can't wait to get outside and his imagination is running wild with all the things he could do in the rain. The little boy asks his Grandad if they can venture outside but Grandad tells him to wait for it to stop. Excitement grows for the boy and plans are building in his mind but still Grandad says they should stay indoors until the rain ends. Whilst waiting, both Grandad and the boy are busy - the little boy exploring books that give him visions of sea voyages with monsters and floating cities, full of carnival celebration, and Grandad busying himself writing an important letter. Eventually, Grandad decides it is time to go outside as he needs to post his letter and the little boy finally gets his adventure in the rain. When the pair return Grandad and the boy agree on the poignant message from the story; 'the very best things are always worth waiting for'. I love the watercolour illustrations in the book, especially those on the double page spread. These are excellent lesson starters to get the children talking and engaged in setting description, brainstorming powerful vocabulary to describe the scene. Lots of links to be made with Science, this alongside Sam Usher's other books in the series; Snow and Sun would work well to support learning on weather changes. I really like that you can make links through the writing style and I think children will enjoy becoming familiar with the little boy and Grandad's adventurous relationship. Children could write poems about the rain - 'list poems' with descriptive phrases built up using the double page images. Writing opportunities could also include letter writing. Who is Grandad writing to? What is he writing? Children could write a letter as though they were Grandad. The illustrations have lots of little details to spot and encourage discussion (the little heart on the envelope, for example). Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Nikki Styles, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 5+