Rain Talk

by Mary Serfozo

"The various sounds that rain makes are explored in this poetic picture book. A young child hears the 'first fat raindrops' fall on 'the soft summer dust of a country road.' . . . The freedom, joy, and warmth of the illustrations make this book a pure delight. A perfect rainy-day read-aloud that will be hard to keep on the shelf".--School Library Journal.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

1 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Meghan Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

My preschoolers love how this makes music!

[RH Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful onomatopoeia and paintings.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistic fiction
K-2nd grade
I thought this was a cute book that uses a lot of onomatopoeia that makes the book fun to read. It’s short and simple, yet still has a fun plot of a little girl playing in the rain puddles. The students can relate to the main character because what kid doesn’t like jumping around in rain puddles and having fun?

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain talk is a piece of art. I love the watercolor illustrations. The onomatopoetic wording is so fun to read.

“On the old tin roof of the garden shed the drops all try to talk at once…
ping ping pingading
Ping ping ping ping ping…
And they chuckle together as they run down the drain”

This is a great book for introducing the magic and of figurative language to kids

[Emily]

Rain Talk has fantastic examples of onomatopoeia and personification ! What a great classroom tool with lovely watercolor pictures. I really love this book! It would be a great read for discussing climate and weather of this state too!

[Kristi Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has beautiful pictures. The pictures make you feel as if you were there. This book really gives you the feeling that you can hear the rain talking to you.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for teaching onomatopoeia and small moments.

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loveeeee love love the illustrations

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it is cool how the book shows all the different sounds that the rain can make. I could see it being used in a listening activity or some sort of sound related work for children but I personally think that it lacked a real story or point. I found it to be a tad boring and I don't think it would hold the interests of most children. However, I do think it's simple explanation of how rain sounds different depending on where it lands makes it relatable to children who may know some or all of those sounds.

[Brittany Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book, but I worry the story line is too hard to follow and might be difficult for kids to understand it.

[Meghan GTC · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like the idea of rain talking and the multiple surfaces it can fall on to make different noises, I did not particular enjoy this book for young readers. I feel as if the language was too difficult and the story line was hard to follow. It did not captivate me while reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you listen you can hear the differences in the rain. Enjoy the stories it tells you.

[Ginny Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain Talk is a beautiful book, in both words and pictures. When I was a first year teacher, I was surprised at how few picture books were in my first classroom. Throughout the years, I bought many books to add to my collection. Many of those books remained unread, but came home with me as I paused my teaching career to raise my daughters. I recently read Rain Talk to my youngest. As I was reading, I was delighted at the simple story about a girl out in the rain, listening to all the sounds rain has. The sound of rain beginning is quite different from the sound of rain hitting a pond, or the "Bup Bup" of rain on an umbrella. The watercolors by Keiko Narahashi enchanted me. They fit the words perfectly.

[Charlee Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author wrote little sentences. It was too easy for me.

[Dianne Norberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a sweet story about a little girl and her dog experiencing the lovely sounds of the rain.

[Laci · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book in a large book would be a great shares reading book.