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Rainstorm
It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company. But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
June 5, 2019
A wordless story that I must admit I couldn’t tell if this was imagination or if the boy was really going someplace. It’s a rainy day and an only child is bored. He finds a key and finds the lock it goes in. It leads to a secret passage that ends up in a lighthouse where there are other children to play with. It’s not raining here. The next time it rains he meets those kids in the tunnel and they go back to his room to play board games.
The nephew made this into a harrowing tale. He is starting to put sounds with words and he can find certain words now, but mostly, he doesn’t read yet, so he still gets to read the wordless books. It was a very wild tale with many of his own additions. The art was serviceable. I’m still not sure about the story and I guess it doesn’t really matter one way or another. It simply is.
The niece thought the story felt rushed and she did not like the vagueness of the story. She gave this 2 stars. The nephew thought the secret passage was very cool and he loved the secretness of being able to do what they want on the lighthouse. He gave this 4 stars.
The nephew made this into a harrowing tale. He is starting to put sounds with words and he can find certain words now, but mostly, he doesn’t read yet, so he still gets to read the wordless books. It was a very wild tale with many of his own additions. The art was serviceable. I’m still not sure about the story and I guess it doesn’t really matter one way or another. It simply is.
The niece thought the story felt rushed and she did not like the vagueness of the story. She gave this 2 stars. The nephew thought the secret passage was very cool and he loved the secretness of being able to do what they want on the lighthouse. He gave this 4 stars.
June 5, 2011
I very much enjoyed this wordless picture book about a little boy who is bored at home on a rainy day. When he finds a key, it opens a very special trunk that happens to transport him to the neighboring island! The adventures he enjoys there are sweet and fun and I thought the ending of the book was especially great.
The author explains in her bio that sometimes she loved rainy days at home, feeling all cozy and sheltered from the storm--but that she wrote this book for the *other* times when she felt especially antsy and wanting to get out and *do* something. Since today was a surprisingly rainy (for this time of year!) day here, I was fortunate enough to be in one of the cozy/appreciative moods and cuddling up on the couch with this little book was a great way to spend part of my rainy day at home :-)
The author explains in her bio that sometimes she loved rainy days at home, feeling all cozy and sheltered from the storm--but that she wrote this book for the *other* times when she felt especially antsy and wanting to get out and *do* something. Since today was a surprisingly rainy (for this time of year!) day here, I was fortunate enough to be in one of the cozy/appreciative moods and cuddling up on the couch with this little book was a great way to spend part of my rainy day at home :-)
April 2, 2011
This is (yet another) wonderful wordless picture book. The pictures perfectly tell the story of a lonely and bored little boy, but not a timid one, who finds a way to have some adventures and some friends. The colorful pictures are great; they have a bit of an old-fashioned quality which appealed to me. The dog that appears in many of the illustrations is adorable and, for me, a welcome part of the story.
I appreciate how books such as this can be read by pre-readers and those who struggle with their reading skills, amd can also be enjoyed by those who are skilled readers.
The story is fun and sweet and has a bit of an adventurous aspect. And it has me hankering for a day at the ocean with dog and human friends.
I appreciate how books such as this can be read by pre-readers and those who struggle with their reading skills, amd can also be enjoyed by those who are skilled readers.
The story is fun and sweet and has a bit of an adventurous aspect. And it has me hankering for a day at the ocean with dog and human friends.
November 30, 2019
Barbara Lehman, whose
The Red Book
received a Caldecott Honor in 2005, delivers another wordless picture-book (a form that she seems to have adopted as her own) in Rainstorm, which follows the adventures of a young boy, one rainy afternoon. In an evocative opening scene, the boy stands in his playroom, looking out the window at the rain-soaked world, and clearly wondering what to do. His halfhearted ballgame leads to the discovery of a key, which in turns leads to an incredible journey through a secret passage, and an afternoon playing with some new friends in a marvelous new place.
As with The Red Book , Lehman's illustrations here - done in watercolor, gouache, and ink - are lovely, with a simple but effective palette, and a sweet, crisp style. Many of the pages are divided into panels, facilitating the storytelling through image, while the story itself - who hasn't dreamed of escape to a sunny isle, on cold and rainy days? or longed for friends, when lonely and alone? - is immensely satisfying. I think I prefer this one to Lehman's earlier Caldecott honoree, mostly because the story is more involving. Recommended to young readers who enjoy wordless picture-books, and to fans of the author/artist.
As with The Red Book , Lehman's illustrations here - done in watercolor, gouache, and ink - are lovely, with a simple but effective palette, and a sweet, crisp style. Many of the pages are divided into panels, facilitating the storytelling through image, while the story itself - who hasn't dreamed of escape to a sunny isle, on cold and rainy days? or longed for friends, when lonely and alone? - is immensely satisfying. I think I prefer this one to Lehman's earlier Caldecott honoree, mostly because the story is more involving. Recommended to young readers who enjoy wordless picture-books, and to fans of the author/artist.
December 24, 2011
Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman is a wordless narrative picturebook about a bored little boy who finds a key on a rainy day.
On a rainy day, a rich, bored boy plays with a ball, then finds a key. Trying varous locks, he finally opens a trunk with the top of a ladder sticking out of it. Descending the ladder, he follows a tunnel that leads to another door into a lighthouse on a neighboring island. There he's discovered by three children and their dog. They play all day then he returns home, after the boy turns the lighthouse light on. The next rainy day he returns to the island and the children follow him home to play with him.
Lehman's detailed illustrations are watercolor, gouache and ink. There are a couple two page spreads, many one page spreads and some six panel pages. A sequence of events not easily predicted are pictured. My favorite images include the cover and title pages, the ball at the bottom of the stairs, the open trunk with the ladder, the boy ascending the lighthouse stairs, the picture of the lighthouse island, the kids playing with the lighthouse in the background, flying kites, switching on the light, and the final image.
This was a satisfying fantasy. I enjoyed the pictures on the trunk refering to Lehman's other books. I loved seeing the armor in the hall. I found it interesting that other people were shown in one picture. This would be useful for discussing sequences or making predictions. The uses of geometric shapes in art could also be discussed. I recommend this for schoool and public library collections.
For ages 3 to 7, wordless, exploration, friendship, imagination, sequences, fantasy, and fans of Barbara Lehman.
On a rainy day, a rich, bored boy plays with a ball, then finds a key. Trying varous locks, he finally opens a trunk with the top of a ladder sticking out of it. Descending the ladder, he follows a tunnel that leads to another door into a lighthouse on a neighboring island. There he's discovered by three children and their dog. They play all day then he returns home, after the boy turns the lighthouse light on. The next rainy day he returns to the island and the children follow him home to play with him.
Lehman's detailed illustrations are watercolor, gouache and ink. There are a couple two page spreads, many one page spreads and some six panel pages. A sequence of events not easily predicted are pictured. My favorite images include the cover and title pages, the ball at the bottom of the stairs, the open trunk with the ladder, the boy ascending the lighthouse stairs, the picture of the lighthouse island, the kids playing with the lighthouse in the background, flying kites, switching on the light, and the final image.
This was a satisfying fantasy. I enjoyed the pictures on the trunk refering to Lehman's other books. I loved seeing the armor in the hall. I found it interesting that other people were shown in one picture. This would be useful for discussing sequences or making predictions. The uses of geometric shapes in art could also be discussed. I recommend this for schoool and public library collections.
For ages 3 to 7, wordless, exploration, friendship, imagination, sequences, fantasy, and fans of Barbara Lehman.
February 13, 2019
Awards: Notable Children's Books (2008)
Grade Level: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Rainstorm is about a little boy who is stuck inside on a rainy day. He decides to kick a ball around his house, when suddenly the ball rolls under the chair and he finds an old key. The key opened up a treasure chest, that led him to a land of imagination, adventure and friendship.
I believe this is a great book for children, because children at this age are really imaginative and creative. It is a wonderful book to read to your class on a rainy day. It could lead to a great learning opportunity for students to learn about weather, seasons and imagination versus reality.
In-Class uses:
-Have your students draw what they would find in their own treasure chest filled of imagination.
-Make a list with your students of some fun and adventurous things they can do on a rainy day.
-Create a chart with your students on what the boy in the book really experienced and what he was imagining.
Grade Level: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Rainstorm is about a little boy who is stuck inside on a rainy day. He decides to kick a ball around his house, when suddenly the ball rolls under the chair and he finds an old key. The key opened up a treasure chest, that led him to a land of imagination, adventure and friendship.
I believe this is a great book for children, because children at this age are really imaginative and creative. It is a wonderful book to read to your class on a rainy day. It could lead to a great learning opportunity for students to learn about weather, seasons and imagination versus reality.
In-Class uses:
-Have your students draw what they would find in their own treasure chest filled of imagination.
-Make a list with your students of some fun and adventurous things they can do on a rainy day.
-Create a chart with your students on what the boy in the book really experienced and what he was imagining.
May 1, 2011
A wonderfully illustrated wordless book. A lonely boy finds a mystery key on a lonely day. The key unlocks a chest and the boy follows an enchanting circular staircase. He makes friends and passes the day exploring a new and different world.
The illustrations are charming and logical. An excellent introduction to graphic representations and how to use pictures to tell a story.
The beginning of the book feels poor-little-rich-boy. The house has a suit of armor in it!
The illustrations are charming and logical. An excellent introduction to graphic representations and how to use pictures to tell a story.
The beginning of the book feels poor-little-rich-boy. The house has a suit of armor in it!
October 31, 2014
Caldecott Honor Winner, Barbara Lehman, is a master at creating adventures with her illustrations. Rainstorm is a completely wordless book about a little lonely boy on a rainy day. There isn't much to do inside on such a day, unless you find a mysterious key that sends you on an adventure. Anyone who has ever been trapped inside looking out at the pouring rain waiting for something to happen can identify with this imaginative book.
November 25, 2007
I really like it when illustrators try and do wordless picture books because there are so few that are published, there is a real need for them and they can be really wonderful when well done. This one fell short for me. When doing a wordless story book everything has to be pretty clear and easy to follow...this book wasn't.
September 21, 2011
Have you ever wished you could escape from a dreary rainy day? Well, wish no more! :-). Lehman's brilliant wordless book is a story of a boy who is bored on a rainy day, until he finds a key that takes him on a journey of exploration, friendship, and fun.
I have always loved staying in on rainy days but I still found the book to creatively grant this wish of exploration and fun.
I have always loved staying in on rainy days but I still found the book to creatively grant this wish of exploration and fun.
May 20, 2017
A simple and cute story is matched by simple wordless illustrations:
April 1, 2008
Enchanting wordless story. I found it interesting that my kids interpreted the plot in a completely different way than I did. That's the beauty of this type of children's literature; it invites interpretation that often changes with subsequent readings.
April 18, 2015
I read this at work a few days ago, and as an only child I really loved it. It felt very true to my experiences as a kid, being stuck in one place and relying solely on my imagination to occupy my time.
December 11, 2017
A wordless book that told the story of a young boy who was bored on a rainy day. I love it because I myself could relate to it, growing up in the Pacific NW! This is a great book for younger kids, and emergent bilinguals! Picturebook.
November 13, 2017
The simple, innocent pictures help tell a story though the book includes no words! Children can enter the adventure through the exploration of the pictures
October 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this wordless picture book about a boy on a rainy day who is lonely in his big house. He finds a key to the lighthouse where he has a lovely day playing with the new friends he meets. I think this would be a great book to use with children up to Year 3, and it touches on friendship and loneliness so there are links to PSHE and circle time. Children could think of an adventure they'd like to go on on a rainy day!
October 11, 2022
Rainstorm is a wordless book who thoughtfully addresses a young child's feelings of boredness and wanting to be somewhere else. The story follows a young boy who, on a rainy day, discovers a key that opens a box, that leads to a lighthouse on an island. I enjoyed the many different interpretations that could be taken from each of the pictures in the sequences (whilst I believed that the children were pointing at the sky to notice the sunset and the realisation that it was home time, someone else told me they thought they were pointing at an alien in the sky!). This book allows children to bring their imagination and inference skills to the pictures to inform their own version of the story.
May 28, 2021
Normally I don’t like wordless picture books, but I really enjoyed this one! My 1.5 year old does too! We got it from the library and I will be adding it to our “want to own” list.
September 20, 2021
- book with no words
- about friends and adventure
- about friends and adventure
February 18, 2018
I typically don't like to read wordless picture books but Rainstorm was actually very enjoyable. I like how the author showed children's boredom on rainy days by the character wandering around his house trying to find something to do indoors. The main character stumbles upon a chest and decides to climb inside going off to another setting. Once the character arrives back home he eagerly awaits the next day so he can go back into the chest for more adventures. The characters mind wanders into a different "dimension" trying to escape from his boring day stuck inside. By doing this the author is showing the reader that imagination is key on rainy days. You don't always have to go outside to have fun when you can have just as much fun playing indoors if you use your imagination.
The illustrations in this book really set the tone for what is happening in the story since there are no words. It starts off with a child looking sadly in the distance at the rain pouring outdoors, and transitions to him trying to find something to do while he is stuck inside. The author is going through the sequence of a typical rainy day spent inside. I liked how the setting the character transitioned too was unlike where he lives and the current weather outdoors. The illustrations are carefully placed through the story to show how the main character actually enjoys his rainy day.
The illustrations in this book really set the tone for what is happening in the story since there are no words. It starts off with a child looking sadly in the distance at the rain pouring outdoors, and transitions to him trying to find something to do while he is stuck inside. The author is going through the sequence of a typical rainy day spent inside. I liked how the setting the character transitioned too was unlike where he lives and the current weather outdoors. The illustrations are carefully placed through the story to show how the main character actually enjoys his rainy day.
October 11, 2017
SUMMARY
In Rainstorm, a boy is stuck inside his house on a rainy day, with no one to keep him company.. until he finds a key that opens up a treasure box and takes him to unexpected places.
ANALYSIS
This book is well-suited for children because the situation is relatable; many readers have been bored stuck inside their house due to a rainy day -- although it is hard to relate to the main character since we don’t know much about him, let alone his name. Since there’s no text, the illustrations offer enough information to depict what goes on, but they also leave enough room to offer the reader’s own interpretation. Each picture in Rainstorm is bordered in black with white margins. It mostly uses the whole page to illustrate big sequences of events, like from eating with friends to playing outside. Sometimes the book uses a set of six small boxes to tell a sequence of related events, like when the boy find a key and tries to open a number of things that might work, or of events that happen within a short span of time. The artistic style of the book is pretty simple. The illustrator uses flat, solid colors to fill in shapes and objects, and doesn’t have a lot of shading. It’s easy on the eyes for children to see.
In Rainstorm, a boy is stuck inside his house on a rainy day, with no one to keep him company.. until he finds a key that opens up a treasure box and takes him to unexpected places.
ANALYSIS
This book is well-suited for children because the situation is relatable; many readers have been bored stuck inside their house due to a rainy day -- although it is hard to relate to the main character since we don’t know much about him, let alone his name. Since there’s no text, the illustrations offer enough information to depict what goes on, but they also leave enough room to offer the reader’s own interpretation. Each picture in Rainstorm is bordered in black with white margins. It mostly uses the whole page to illustrate big sequences of events, like from eating with friends to playing outside. Sometimes the book uses a set of six small boxes to tell a sequence of related events, like when the boy find a key and tries to open a number of things that might work, or of events that happen within a short span of time. The artistic style of the book is pretty simple. The illustrator uses flat, solid colors to fill in shapes and objects, and doesn’t have a lot of shading. It’s easy on the eyes for children to see.
September 2, 2008
Rainstorm is a wordless narrative about a boy who is bored on a rainy day. All alone in an empty room, the boy stares out the window. He gloomily kicks a ball down the stairs. When he looks under a chair to find the ball, the boy finds a key. He goes around the house and tries to figure out what the key goes to. He discovers that the key goes to a treasure chest, and inside the treasure chest is a ladder that leads to a dungeon and an underground passage. Then the boy climbs up a very tall staircase and finds himself in the top of a lighthouse. There he finds three children and a dog to play with. They go to the bottom of the lighthouse, and eat, play ball, fly kites, and build a sand castle. Then the children turn on the light in the top of the lighthouse. The boy goes back home, eats, and goes to bed. The next morning, he awakes to another rainy day. This time, he brings the three lighthouse friends and the dog to his house to play. I thought this was a cute book for younger elementary children.
Activities:
1) I would have the children write words to go along with the pictures.
2)I would have the children share, write, or draw about what they do on rainy days.
Activities:
1) I would have the children write words to go along with the pictures.
2)I would have the children share, write, or draw about what they do on rainy days.
September 19, 2018
I liked this book. It’s of a boy who is bored and trapped inside on a rainy day looking for something in his house to do. While he is playing, he finds a key. He tries the keys for a few different things before he realizes it leads to a chest with a ladder in it. He goes inside and appears to go to a new place. I wondered while looking at the pictures if he was going to a new world or if he was still in the same reality. I liked the color and detail added to illustrations I thought it fit well and looked good and told the story well. I also liked how on pages they put it into squares and you could see a sequence of things happen.
July 16, 2014
Bored kid at home alone on a rainy day discovers a key, finds the lock it fits, goes down the secret staircase and long hall and up another staircase to discover a lighthouse and kids to play with. The art is as perfectly straightforward as the description, with a nice heavy line style and a crispness I really enjoyed.
And who doesn't want to live in a big Georgian house and discover a secret stairway on a rainy day?
This is the wordless book to give the young child who'll be receiving Harry Potter in a few more years.
Library copy.
And who doesn't want to live in a big Georgian house and discover a secret stairway on a rainy day?
This is the wordless book to give the young child who'll be receiving Harry Potter in a few more years.
Library copy.
May 29, 2012
In this wordless picture book, on a rainy day a boy finds a mysterious key which leads him on an adventure to a light house, where he meets some new friends. Pleasant enough and suited for early non readers.
December 19, 2013
Absolutely loved this!
September 24, 2018
The kids enjoyed this wordless picture book - after all, who wouldn’t want a secret passage to a beach island with a lighthouse? 😉
February 14, 2018
I personally enjoyed this wordless picture book. I felt as though this book definitely made it easy to follow and told a story that was understandable. I feel as though when books do not have words it can be interpreted in so many different ways but I enjoyed the fact that even though there were not words the same story could be told no matter who reads it. I loved how the illustrations really have your attention and have you questioning what is going to happen next. Personally, it is essential for a wordless book to not only tell a story through the illustrations but to actually pull the reader in and keep them into the story.
I feel as though children could definitely learn some key building skills just by reading this book which includes comprehension, predicting would could happen next, and sequence of events. Rainstorm tells a story about a little boy that finds new friends in such a different way in which other children find their friends. This story takes you on a journey with a little boy as he spends a rainy day inside the mansion he lives in. While inside his mansion he comes across a key that he is very curious about. He goes around his entire house trying to figure out what the key is for and ends up finding stairs to an island where he meets new friends. I thought it was so cute and different because it is out of the norm for children to meet friends that way. This was such a great picture book!
I feel as though children could definitely learn some key building skills just by reading this book which includes comprehension, predicting would could happen next, and sequence of events. Rainstorm tells a story about a little boy that finds new friends in such a different way in which other children find their friends. This story takes you on a journey with a little boy as he spends a rainy day inside the mansion he lives in. While inside his mansion he comes across a key that he is very curious about. He goes around his entire house trying to figure out what the key is for and ends up finding stairs to an island where he meets new friends. I thought it was so cute and different because it is out of the norm for children to meet friends that way. This was such a great picture book!
September 19, 2018
In this book, the child was looking for an adventure and found that it was raining. I particularly liked that the illustration showed the child's head down showing that he was disappointed in the rain outside. He then tried to play with a ball inside and it fell down the stairs. I like how three-dimensional the stairs were and the shading, it made it look much more lifelike.
I like the plot twist of the book when instead of getting the ball he found a key to a chest and how they lumped the pictures of everything he tried to unlock with the key on one page in order to not take up space in the book and to move the story along. Then he opens the chest to find that there is a ladder leading to a room under the chest.
I love how this book has so many twists and turns giving you something you never expected when starting this book. He runs down a hall and finds a door which leads him to the top of a lighthouse where it looks like his friends are waiting for him in a sunny yard and he gets to eat and play with them outside, where they fly kites and build sand castles altogether. Then they turn on the light and the little boy says goodbye to his new friends and we find out that his family looks very proper or rich. He has dinner with them on a very beautifully decorated and illustrated table. Then tired from his fun day the little boy tries to go to sleep but gets too excited and escapes back to his friends and their fun times through the chest.
I like the plot twist of the book when instead of getting the ball he found a key to a chest and how they lumped the pictures of everything he tried to unlock with the key on one page in order to not take up space in the book and to move the story along. Then he opens the chest to find that there is a ladder leading to a room under the chest.
I love how this book has so many twists and turns giving you something you never expected when starting this book. He runs down a hall and finds a door which leads him to the top of a lighthouse where it looks like his friends are waiting for him in a sunny yard and he gets to eat and play with them outside, where they fly kites and build sand castles altogether. Then they turn on the light and the little boy says goodbye to his new friends and we find out that his family looks very proper or rich. He has dinner with them on a very beautifully decorated and illustrated table. Then tired from his fun day the little boy tries to go to sleep but gets too excited and escapes back to his friends and their fun times through the chest.
March 30, 2024
Not for the first time, this Goodreader wonders: Where are the parents?
The hero of this book is so young he isn't even able to READ, evidently. Yet he's left alone with no adult supervision???
Equally annoying (to me), this is one of those picture books for people who are highly visual. (Or else they don't ever want to learn how to read. Or maybe they're both, highly visual illiterates.)
STATING THE PREMISE IN A SENTIMENTAL WAY?
The inside front flap copy may appeal to some readers. My italics adorn the text supplied by the publisher:
"It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company.
"But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting."
Frankly, this is the kind of picture book I can't stand. Much like a Rorschach test for readers who like to make up most of the story on their own.
HOWEVER, RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate a book based on what would likely appeal to the intended readers. These would be folks who don't want words by a mere author... to get in away of making up their own stories. And also, as noted, it's for readers who just don't want to read.
On their behalf, FIVE STARS.
The hero of this book is so young he isn't even able to READ, evidently. Yet he's left alone with no adult supervision???
Equally annoying (to me), this is one of those picture books for people who are highly visual. (Or else they don't ever want to learn how to read. Or maybe they're both, highly visual illiterates.)
STATING THE PREMISE IN A SENTIMENTAL WAY?
The inside front flap copy may appeal to some readers. My italics adorn the text supplied by the publisher:
"It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company.
"But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting."
Frankly, this is the kind of picture book I can't stand. Much like a Rorschach test for readers who like to make up most of the story on their own.
HOWEVER, RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate a book based on what would likely appeal to the intended readers. These would be folks who don't want words by a mere author... to get in away of making up their own stories. And also, as noted, it's for readers who just don't want to read.
On their behalf, FIVE STARS.
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