The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day

The Rabbit, The Cloud and the Rainy Day is brought to us by the creator of the VERY well-known The Rabbit, The Dark and the Biscuit Tin. It's great to re-encounter the well-loved rabbit again!

Rabbit has plans to go fishing but the pitter-patter of raindrops quickly threaten those plans. So, Rabbit does the only thing he can think of… he steals the rain cloud and pops it into his bag. All is well until Duck comes along with a different point of view. Duck decides to show Rabbit why rain is so important but Rabbit isn't interested in listening. There is only one thing that can make Rabbit listen. Something amazing, colourful and HUGE…  The fold out page ending is likely to make your child gasp in awe just as mine did!

Through the course of the story, Rabbit learns to see the good in something he previously only viewed negatively. He changes his thought patterns. The innocent way this book explores thought patterns and the effect they can have on us is a really inviting way of discussing the subject of mental health and perspective with children. There is also great value in recognising that two people can have opposite opinions and thoughts on the same subject - something important to actively teach our children.

This book lends itself well to supporting children's writing development, too - especially that of story composition. Children can have lots of fun exploring multiple ways of tweaking the storyline. Perhaps is a rainy day instead of a sunny day. Perhaps Rabbit captures the sun instead of a cloud. Perhaps Rabbit meets a different animal friend along the way.

I love Nicola O’Byrne's books and there's an in-depth interview with ReadingZone where she gives us an even deeper understanding of the story and where all of her fantastic ideas come from.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Rabbit wants to go fishing, but does not like the rain! To stop the rain spoiling his plans he decides to catch the rain cloud with his rod and hide it in his bag! Duck on the other hand loves the rain and sets out to show Rabbit why the rain is so important.

The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day is a gorgeous book, exploring in simple terms the importance of water for our environment. Duck explains how plants and flowers need water to grow and how the food we eat depends on water too. The duo also explore some of the more fun reasons to love water - rainbows and puddles!

In the classroom, The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day is a great resource for opening discussion points with children about caring for the environment and having empathy for others' needs.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jo Thomas, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Nicola O'Byrne does it again with another lovely book about Rabbit and his unique take on everyday problems that children can relate to. Last time we saw him finding out about the dark with the help of a biscuit tin; this time he risks having his glorious fishing trip ruined by a rain cloud. What's a rabbit to do? Why, trap the cloud in his backpack so it can't rain on him and spoil the day. Thank goodness for the intervention of Duck who patiently explains why the cloud and the rain are so important and need to be freed from Rabbit's bag.

Bring your four-, five- and six-year-olds on the journey with rabbit and Duck and learn why rain is vital. The main reason we need rain is kept for a lovely final pop-up surprise at the end. The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day is a perfect 'read for pleasure' book with infant children and a valuable addition to a topic on weather. It would also make a lovely birthday or Easter gift for those children who find going out in the rain quite overwhelming. Well done, Noisy Crow, this book is another winner.

Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

This wonderful story has been carefully crafted by Nicola O'Byrne. Rabbit does not like the rain, a feeling that many readers will relate too. Duck has the job of sharing with Rabbit why the cloud and rain are so important.

The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day could be linked to so many different topics and subjects in school. I would use it as a discussion starter when talking about actions having consequences or seeing things from others' point of view. It could be used when talking about the water cycle and what would happen if Rabbit was able to keep the cloud in his bag.

This is also just a beautiful story to share with children to foster that love of books and joy that can be found through beautiful illustrations.

Picture book / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+