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The Rainbabies: A Magical Picture Book About Finding Tiny Babies on a Moonlit Night for Children
In the magic of a moonshower, a childless couple finds a dozen tiny babies in a meadow. Written in classic folktale tradition, illustrated with astonishing paintings, The Rainbabies is woven from magic and moonbeams.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
June 30, 2017
A happy couple find themselves becoming old (though they look like all of the middle-aged parents at our daughters' elementary school), and their hearts hold one regret: they never had children.
One enchanted, moon-lit evening, they wake to find twelve perfect toe-sized babies among the raindrops of a mysterious moonshower, and they are verklempt, but terribly excited.
It turns out, these diminutive babies attract trouble, and caring for them and protecting them becomes the full-time occupation of the couple. They quickly realize that they are the busiest and the most contented that they've ever been in their lives.
Then one day Mother Moonshower comes to claim the wee babes and the couple are beside themselves with grief. . . until they learn that they have been tested.
Mother Moonshower informs the man and woman that, “you have proven yourselves the worthiest of parents,” and they are then granted the greatest wish of their hearts.
And you, the reader, find yourself the recipient of not only one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books, but also of the worthiest of messages. . . that children do not need to be birthed by their parents to find unconditional love and a family. . . and that dreams sometimes do come true to those who wait.
One enchanted, moon-lit evening, they wake to find twelve perfect toe-sized babies among the raindrops of a mysterious moonshower, and they are verklempt, but terribly excited.
It turns out, these diminutive babies attract trouble, and caring for them and protecting them becomes the full-time occupation of the couple. They quickly realize that they are the busiest and the most contented that they've ever been in their lives.
Then one day Mother Moonshower comes to claim the wee babes and the couple are beside themselves with grief. . . until they learn that they have been tested.
Mother Moonshower informs the man and woman that, “you have proven yourselves the worthiest of parents,” and they are then granted the greatest wish of their hearts.
And you, the reader, find yourself the recipient of not only one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books, but also of the worthiest of messages. . . that children do not need to be birthed by their parents to find unconditional love and a family. . . and that dreams sometimes do come true to those who wait.
August 18, 2023
The look of a children's book, The Rainbabies is really more for mamas and papas who cherish their child(ren), especially if they have waited for them a long time, or experienced difficulty conceiving.
An old woman and old man are childless and long for a child of their own. They work hard all day so there isn't much time for pining, but at day's end, the woman thinks, "If children grew in flowerpots or blew down the chimney with the March wind, what a lucky woman I would be!"
One spring night, her wish comes true in the form of 12 tiny babies, each no bigger than her big toe each nestled in a shining drop of water. The old woman and her husband are delighted but discover protecting these miraculous babies is no easy feat. Nature seems bent on reclaiming them.
Then one night a stranger comes to reveal the mystery of these babies. It is a precious, beautiful story and gentle reminder of how marvelous children truly are.
An old woman and old man are childless and long for a child of their own. They work hard all day so there isn't much time for pining, but at day's end, the woman thinks, "If children grew in flowerpots or blew down the chimney with the March wind, what a lucky woman I would be!"
One spring night, her wish comes true in the form of 12 tiny babies, each no bigger than her big toe each nestled in a shining drop of water. The old woman and her husband are delighted but discover protecting these miraculous babies is no easy feat. Nature seems bent on reclaiming them.
Then one night a stranger comes to reveal the mystery of these babies. It is a precious, beautiful story and gentle reminder of how marvelous children truly are.
December 26, 2021
A reread of one of our favorite books when my children were little.
August 31, 2020
I read this as a kid. I remember the general storyline and loved the whimsy, so it must have been good to stick with me for so long.
February 5, 2021
Author Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrator Jim LaMarche join forces in this beautiful original fairy-tale, which follows the trials and tribulations of an elderly couple who longs for a child. When they discover twelve little rainbabies in a moon shower one night, they take in the diminutive orphans, and protect them from every danger, whether from water or fire. They are offered riches for the babies, but they refuse, and their worth as parents is rewarded when Mother Moonshower arrives to claim her children, bringing a human child in exchange...
Although I have enjoyed other books by both Melmed and LaMarche, and although I have long been aware of The Rainbabies, which was first published almost thirty years ago, I never happened to pick it up. Thanks are due to my friend Amalie for recommending it to me, and reminding me to get to it! The story itself is engaging, with lots of traditional folk/fairy-tale elements, from the childless couple to the miniature children, and the accompanying artwork is simply gorgeous! LaMarche never fails to please, and his luminous paintings here are particularly lovely. Recommended to fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-books.
Although I have enjoyed other books by both Melmed and LaMarche, and although I have long been aware of The Rainbabies, which was first published almost thirty years ago, I never happened to pick it up. Thanks are due to my friend Amalie for recommending it to me, and reminding me to get to it! The story itself is engaging, with lots of traditional folk/fairy-tale elements, from the childless couple to the miniature children, and the accompanying artwork is simply gorgeous! LaMarche never fails to please, and his luminous paintings here are particularly lovely. Recommended to fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-books.
June 8, 2023
"The Rainbabies" is a modern-day fairy tale about the depth of parental love. It is a story about how an elderly childless couple is gifted with twelve little babies after a 'moon shower', and how they take such wonderful care of them. They are tested by wind, rain, and fire to see if they truly love these babies. Later, Mother Moonshower comes to collect her children and rewards them for the dedication and love they showed to Her children.
This story is tender and sweet, and the illustrations are so beautiful and delightfully realistic. The elderly couple looks very kind and loving and the rain babies are just adorable. This one brought tears to my eyes.
Illustrations:
This story is tender and sweet, and the illustrations are so beautiful and delightfully realistic. The elderly couple looks very kind and loving and the rain babies are just adorable. This one brought tears to my eyes.
Illustrations:
December 7, 2020
I'm not really sure why this one didn't land with me. I didn't love the art, although most people rave about it, and I found the story kind of sad. Just not my cup of tea, although I can see how other people would like it.
August 2, 2021
In a story reminiscent of a folktale, a childless couple is gifted with twelve tiny infants, each the size of a raindrop. With gorgeous illustrations by Jim LaMarche.
August 10, 2022
I've loved this book ever since I was a child. From the artwork to the story itself, I love everything about this book.
September 20, 2012
This book was very sweet and I loved it! The illustrations are all phenomenal and the little babies are so cute. This is a good longer storybook that I would read to my class. It is a very interesting and different plot but good for kids' imaginations. It has a very happy ending with the old couple getting a baby and her growing up. This story was sad at times but it kept me very engaged. I chose this book as my read aloud because I remember reading it when I was younger and loved it and thought it would be good to share with other students. It is longer but easy to understand and follow so I thought it would be a perfect read aloud.
August 10, 2020
One of the strangest but most beautiful stories I have ever read. Wow. The picture of a parent's love, whether biological or not.
My 5 year old said it was scary as the babies were encountering danger but he ended up loving it in the end. He said it was one of the coolest books he has ever seen.
Would be triggering for those suffering from infertility or loss of a child.
My 5 year old said it was scary as the babies were encountering danger but he ended up loving it in the end. He said it was one of the coolest books he has ever seen.
Would be triggering for those suffering from infertility or loss of a child.
June 16, 2018
Dreams do come true, and love is always the answer. Gorgeous illustrations.
July 31, 2018
Booktubeathon Book #2
October 1, 2020
Much cuter than expected. But also, what?
June 12, 2022
Oh look. Another kids book to make me cry. I'm sad they lost their babies.
December 23, 2024
This book was gifted to me as a young child by my aunt and will forever hold a special place in my heart! Such a beautiful little story and an amazing example of being selfless.
March 16, 2022
Gorgeous art. Beautiful, old-fashioned storytelling. A joy to read.
November 18, 2012
The Rainbabies is about an old man and woman who have always longed for a child but have never had one. One rainy moonlit night, the old couple goes outside because they've heard that the "moonshower" will bring good fortune when it touches you. While walking back inside, she notices something shiny in the grass and when she takes a closer look she realizes the shine is coming from a dozen drops of water each holding a tiny baby. The couple brings the tiny children inside where they care for them and put them to bed. Over time, the couple grows to love the small children and save them from a few disasters that could have ended the small children's lives. One night a mysterious young man comes to the couple's house and offers them a rare moonstone in exchange for the rainbabies. When the old couple declines, the man turns into a beautiful woman who introduces herself as Mother Moonshower. She tells them that she is the one who gave them the rainbabies and that she must now take them back with her. The couple is devastated, however Mother Moonshower says that they have been such great protectors of her children that she has brought them a gift for them to keep. She then hands them a basket with a beautiful baby girl inside. The couple is sad to see the rainbabies go, but they are so greatful for their new gift.
This is a heartwarming story about dedication and love. While the exact story line definitely contains some fantasy, it still contains emotions which are relatable to children and adults. The message is strong in this book, and I feel that it would be a great asset to a classroom as it teaches students that if they are dedicated and really want something, they just might get it in the end, even if it seems like a long shot. Another part of this story that cannot go unnoticed is the illustrations. The pictures are so beautiful and full of detail that even a non-reader would be able to follow the story line. The emotions portrayed on the characters' faces are very powerful as well, and I feel that is a very important reason that the pictures have such a great impact on the reader. I feel this story is one that both children and adults will be able to greatly appreciate as it is a beautiful story with a powerful and relatable message.
This is a heartwarming story about dedication and love. While the exact story line definitely contains some fantasy, it still contains emotions which are relatable to children and adults. The message is strong in this book, and I feel that it would be a great asset to a classroom as it teaches students that if they are dedicated and really want something, they just might get it in the end, even if it seems like a long shot. Another part of this story that cannot go unnoticed is the illustrations. The pictures are so beautiful and full of detail that even a non-reader would be able to follow the story line. The emotions portrayed on the characters' faces are very powerful as well, and I feel that is a very important reason that the pictures have such a great impact on the reader. I feel this story is one that both children and adults will be able to greatly appreciate as it is a beautiful story with a powerful and relatable message.
July 4, 2021
Immediately after reading this, I went back and read it again, savoring the wonderful images. LaMarche is one of my favorite illustrators. Every work he does is breathtaking, but in particular, The Rainbabies resonated with me.
This is indeed a fairy tale with a happy ending. Though there is joy, followed by impending doom and peril, all is right in the end. There is no evilness; there is only elation, love and sheer joy.
I tremendously admire the art of LaMarche. His images, particularly in this book, shine through with soft, realistic patina.
An older barren couple lament that they do not have children. They have everything they need and want, except a child.
One night, the wife implores her husband to wish on the moon. Soon thereafter, a moon shower occurs. As they search the soft, rain-filled grass they discover a dozen teeny, tiny, no bigger than a thumb, fully formed babies.
They so enjoy taking care of the babies, singing to them, dressing them, and rocking them. Presented with a series of frequent times of peril and crisis, including a wild animal who takes one of the babies in his mouth and runs away, and there is the experience of a fast-moving storm that threatens to end the happiness of a picnic in the boat when the babies are whisked away.
Throughout the events of crisis, their only aim is to protect the children. Mother moonshine appears to thank the elderly couple for the wonderful way in which they have protected her babies. Claiming the moon babies back into her fold, she rewarded the couple with a real life daughter of their own.
This book is sappy and wonderful! Sure to bring a smile to even the hardened soul, it is a delightful, sugar coated, refreshing treat of swirling happiness.
This is indeed a fairy tale with a happy ending. Though there is joy, followed by impending doom and peril, all is right in the end. There is no evilness; there is only elation, love and sheer joy.
I tremendously admire the art of LaMarche. His images, particularly in this book, shine through with soft, realistic patina.
An older barren couple lament that they do not have children. They have everything they need and want, except a child.
One night, the wife implores her husband to wish on the moon. Soon thereafter, a moon shower occurs. As they search the soft, rain-filled grass they discover a dozen teeny, tiny, no bigger than a thumb, fully formed babies.
They so enjoy taking care of the babies, singing to them, dressing them, and rocking them. Presented with a series of frequent times of peril and crisis, including a wild animal who takes one of the babies in his mouth and runs away, and there is the experience of a fast-moving storm that threatens to end the happiness of a picnic in the boat when the babies are whisked away.
Throughout the events of crisis, their only aim is to protect the children. Mother moonshine appears to thank the elderly couple for the wonderful way in which they have protected her babies. Claiming the moon babies back into her fold, she rewarded the couple with a real life daughter of their own.
This book is sappy and wonderful! Sure to bring a smile to even the hardened soul, it is a delightful, sugar coated, refreshing treat of swirling happiness.
May 12, 2020
I love returning to childhood favorites like The Rainbabies, for I have the opportunity to reflect on what made this particular title stand out from all the rest. I can't say for sure, but I imagine it had something to do with the bitty babies (I adored babies, even when I was one myself still) and the magical, satisfying tale of patience. What struck me on this visit was how picture books have changed in just over two decades. Kids today don't have attention spans capable of taking in the amount of text on these pages. What a shame.
April 7, 2010
I was given this book by my mom and dad when I was about 10 years old. I'm the middle child in my family and I guess I was at that stage when I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere and this book was something my mom gave me so I would understand that I was just as important (and loved) as my siblings.
I still have this book on a shelf in my apartment and like taking it out and reading it from time to time. It's a very sweet story.
I still have this book on a shelf in my apartment and like taking it out and reading it from time to time. It's a very sweet story.
October 6, 2014
Re-read, going through my bookshelves deciding which books come to the new house, and which books stay behind. This book comes along. I read it and re-read it through the long years when I was trying and trying to get pregnant. I haven't looked at it since, I don't think, and my son is 21 now. Reading it from such a remove was interesting. I love the illustrations, I love the fairy-tale feel, and the ending still makes tears come to my eyes.
October 25, 2013
A childless couple who longs to have their own child, finds themselves to be the new parents of rainbabies that were brought by a sudden moonshower one night. After caring for the rainbabies through the powers of water, fire and earth, they are asked by Mother Moonshower to give the rainbabies back. In exchange, she grants them their very own child, who they name Rayna.
Grade 3-5
Grade 3-5
October 12, 2013
What a lovely story with beautiful illustrations. The kids and I really enjoyed reading this together, as recommended by Kelle Hampton via Instagram. I have to admit I teared up a bit. If only every baby were as wanted and loved. I think we'll buy this book for our family book collection.
July 26, 2016
A childhood favorite. Nostalgia takes over my rating for this quirky, sci-fi read about an elderly couple and the babies they found.
September 30, 2016
A different sort of fairy tale. The illustrations are beautiful and the plot emphasizes love.
March 7, 2022
I shed a tear when re-reading this book 20 years after its purchase. My daughter is now grown, and I am now a grandmother. Through the years, this book has remained in my library. It is a tale of a hard-working couple with no child of their own. One night a special shower brings 12 tiny rainbabies into their care. Almost immediately, the couple face challenges in the form of a storm, fire, and a weasel that threaten to harm the babies. Through it all, the couple keep the babies safe and "shower" them with love. Soon thereafter, a mysterious lad appears at their door and offers them riches in exchange for the babies. The couple flatly declines. Suddenly, the lad is transformed into a beautiful vision, Mother Moonshower. She has arrived to take her rainbabies home. But she leaves a surprise in their place. This is a beautiful tale about love, adoption, and acceptance. A perfect gift for adopted children, teaching that love is universal.
November 17, 2024
A Magical Bedtime Favorite!
The Rain Babies has become a treasured part of our bedtime routine with my five-year-old daughter. She absolutely loves curling up on her daddy’s lap and listening to this enchanting story before bed. The artwork is mesmerizing—she can’t get enough of the beautiful illustrations and giggles every time she sees the cute baby butts!
This sweet story, straight from the artist’s imagination, feels like a little piece of magic in every reading. It’s the perfect blend of whimsy and warmth, making it a wonderful choice for parents who want to create special moments with their children. Highly recommended for any family looking to share a cozy, memorable storytime!
The Rain Babies has become a treasured part of our bedtime routine with my five-year-old daughter. She absolutely loves curling up on her daddy’s lap and listening to this enchanting story before bed. The artwork is mesmerizing—she can’t get enough of the beautiful illustrations and giggles every time she sees the cute baby butts!
This sweet story, straight from the artist’s imagination, feels like a little piece of magic in every reading. It’s the perfect blend of whimsy and warmth, making it a wonderful choice for parents who want to create special moments with their children. Highly recommended for any family looking to share a cozy, memorable storytime!
November 19, 2024
The Rainbabies appears to be an original folktale. I don't think it is a retelling of a particular folk tale but it bears many of the elements of other tales. In particular, it begins with the familiar trope of a couple who have a good life, except they wish for a child in their life and have been unable to have one.
One evening they go out into a moonshower and find 12 beautiful babies in the raindrops on the ground, each about the size of their thumb. They are happy and take care of them, saving them from several dangers and proving their worth as loving parents. But the babies are the children of mother moonshower, and need to be with her to grow...
A lovely story.
One evening they go out into a moonshower and find 12 beautiful babies in the raindrops on the ground, each about the size of their thumb. They are happy and take care of them, saving them from several dangers and proving their worth as loving parents. But the babies are the children of mother moonshower, and need to be with her to grow...
A lovely story.
October 2, 2019
This story book tells us about a couple that are starting to get older in age and find themselves wishing that they had children. One enchanted moonlight, they find twelve children and are so very excited. They found themselves raising these children and that it was like a full time job. Then one day mother moon shower came and took the little babies. The couple grieved and then were blessed with the gift of children after proving they were worthy. I would share this book to upper elementary grades, because I think it will help them value and respect those who are adopted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews