Rain by Cynthia Rylant (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Rain by Cynthia Rylant Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Rylant, Cynthia Rain; illus. by Lisa Congdon. Beach Lane/Simon, 2023 [48p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781442465091 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781442465107 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs "There is a softness and a quiet before the rain comes," and the preparations various creatures (including humans) take as the clouds move in are depicted in this clever but soothing picture book. First, the birds swoop in with their weather reports, and the trees tell the squirrels to head home. A disappearing sun and graying sky send the children on the playground indoors; alerted by their sensitive whiskers, the cats find their favorite window perch to watch the first drops; and the dogs, who [End Page 266] have smelled the rain since yesterday, stay a little bit longer outside before finding cover. When the skies finally open, each animal enjoys the weather in their own way until everything clears again, with a rainbow beckoning everyone outside. Rylant's buoyant text has a warm and welcoming feel, like a comfy blanket on a gloomy day, and the shifts in perspectives among the animals from page to page ensure readerly engagement. Eye-catching geometric patterns pair with softer, dappled textures to echo the transition from the orderly structure of daily happenings to an almost magical world, where the falling raindrops fill the pages, dominating but not totally obscuring the vignette-like activities, as "The trees enjoy their shower. The cats have a show. The dogs get cuddled. And the birds catch up on the news." This is an idyllic, whimsical treat to pass a rainy day until the weather clears. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois