Home in the Rain

Home in the Rain is about a little girl and her pregnant mum travelling back home from their grandma’s house in the family car as it is absolutely pouring down with rain. Grandma lived far away so they had to stop for something to eat on their way home. As they were eating the car windows begin to steam up, the little girl started writing their names on the windows and wanted to know what her little sister would be called but they couldn’t think of a good name. I would say that this would make a lovely story for someone below the age of six with a little sister because it shows how just a simple car journey home could affect someone forever. I think the illustrations are a big part in painting the picture of this story and that the text is just right, though there are lots of words on each page so the book is best to be read by a grown up to a child unless they can fluently read by themselves. It is a very sweet book that contains a beautiful, loving story and looks just as good on the inside too. It is a story that will stay with you after you close the final page. It goes to show how the little things in life can mean a lot. Book Reviewed on Whispering Stories Blog *I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed

Felt like a book someone wrote to make a story of their memory. It’s a nice memory but there was no plot here and no reason for this to be a kids book. Kept waiting for the point but nope.

Francie and her mother are headed home from Grandma’s house. It rains and rains. It rains enough that a big truck washes their car into a picnic area. Nearby, the rain hits rabbits, mice and a hawk. It rains on fishermen and ducks. Francie and her mother wait in the car, the windows steaming up. Francie writes their names on the windows. She asks her mother what her new baby sister’s name will be when she arrives, but her mother doesn’t know yet. They eat a picnic in the car together and then they pull back onto the road and continue home. When they stop to get gas, Francie’s mother decides on her little sister’s name and the sun returns to light their way home. Graham has written a lovely picture book that is more complicated than it seems. It is the story of a little red car heading home. It’s the story of a family about to get one person bigger. It is the story of names and inspiration. It’s the story of rain and water and weather. Graham ties all of these elements together into one precious rain-soaked bundle that really works. It is bursting with the love of family on every page. Graham’s illustrations are done in his signature style. The characters are people of color and their car becomes a haven and a busy room filled with small details. The book then pulls away to the countryside and their small car seen from above. The rain sweeps the pages and the animals appear. The play of close comfort in the car with wide scenery captures the wildness of the storm and strengthens the intimacy of the family. A special book that looks at those delicate moments before the birth of a new baby, this picture book celebrates family and storms. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Oh so bored for my kid