Rain

by Cynthia Rylant, Lisa Congdon (Illustrator)

From Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant comes a vibrantly illustrated, poetic picture book tribute to the beauty and magic of a rainy day.

There is a softness and a quiet before the rain comes…

When rain is on its way, some people and animals hurry home and get cozy inside. But others stay out to soak up the glorious showers! Wet drops bounce on leaves and roofs, creeks fill up, trees take a shower, cats have a show, and everyone relishes the rain.

With lyrical words by award-winning author Cynthia Rylant and vibrant pictures by celebrated artist Lisa Congdon, this evocative picture book shows that rain is good for everyone.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Childrens, Storytime, Environment, Poetry

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.

Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.

Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.

Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret I love rain books and as the title says “rain is good for everybody”. Being a country girl I so appreciate the point of view from which rain is told in this title, because yes animals know when rain is coming and exhibit certain behaviors. Also the text says animals know before the trees do and yes one sees the undersides of leaves prior to a rain thanks to the wind. Now to the beautiful illustrations which are totally focused on the animals and a number of them from their eye level. The illustrations are bold, but still detailed, and with beautiful colors. Great title for a rain themed story time. Currently this is my front runner for the 2024 Caldecott Award. And strangely enough this title was illustrated digitally my most unfavorite medium, but I love this one! It is extremely well done! Beautifully written and illustrated.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concept book about rain is so beautifully written. I love the first line "There is a softness and a quiet before the rain comes."

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Rain, written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lisa Congdon, a lyrical ode to the joys of a rainy day.

As a light spring storm approaches a country home, there a signs of the weather change everywhere: birds chatter to inform each other of the oncoming rain; squirrels and cats head for cover (trees and indoor windowsills, respectively); children come in from play; ducks excitedly waddle off to the pond. And when the rain comes, “it is glorious!”, bringing water to flowers, birdbaths, dogs bowls, and the creek. Even those who have sheltered inside enjoy the pitter-patter from their cozy vantage point. In all, rain brings lovely things, and leaves each place it visits a little better for having been.

Cheerfully mellow. Rylant’s text reads with the cadence of a meditative nature poem, and makes for a wonderful experience when reading the book aloud, especially when paired with Congdon’s understated yet eye-catching illustrations. Meanwhile, the text also manages to tuck in some tidbits that kids will find fascinating, such as that dogs can smell rain a day before it arrives. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ loved the bright, warm illustrations and the engaging text. Overall, a perfect rainy-day read, and Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The illustrations are gorgeous, colourful, and engaging. The narrative both decenters the human experience and dispels the myth that rain equates a bad weather day. Rain is indeed glorious and something to celebrate. My three-year-old finds it equally engaging.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the art style, but keep your cats inside!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Rylant, the author of When the Relatives Came, the Mr. Putter and Tabby books, and a wide variety of middle grade fiction, continues her interest in science and nature evident in her 2017 Life with this interesting exploration of the helpful qualities of rain.

In this lyrical book, we see the various animals and birds waiting for the rain. The squirrels, cats, children, and dogs all come home when they feel it in the air, although the ducks are glad to be out in the wet. Everyone is prepared for the deluge when it comes. The creeks fill up, and the creatures warm in their shelters enjoying watching the rain fall. When the storm has passed, the rain helps plants and trees grow.

Congdon's digitally rendered illustratrations have a folk art look to them (I especially loved the end papers!) that is crisp and bright. Her rain drops have a bit of an Eric Carle tissue paper look to them that wsa quite nice.

This would be a great book for a classroom on a gray day with rain pelting at the windows, since it is poetic without being in verse. Find some good rainy day crafts to do, and read this aloud along with Hello, Rain! by Kyo Maclear Worm Weather by Jean Taft and Matt Hunt and Come on, Rain! by Karen Hesse and Jon J. Muth.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain is a celebration! Vibrant, colorful artwork of squirrels, birds, dogs, cats, ducks and children illustrate how each celebrate rain. The animals know before it rains; squirrels go home to their nests, but the dogs have known it was going to rain since yesterday because dogs can sense it.

The ducks love the rain and revel in the pond. Because of rain, everything is refreshed, renewed and grows strong. "All because of rain," everything is better.

Rain is a lovely, breathtaking picture book sure to win awards for illustrator Lisa Congdon.

Highly recommended pre-school to 1st grade.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to your world, babies. Cynthia Rylant will help you settle down in a version of reality where everyone's cozy and kind.

Ideas are assumed about animals too, like cats: What they know and how they feel. For instance, regarding rain:

And the cats under rosebushes,
the cats on fences:
Do they know?

Oh, yes.
Their whiskers will tell them so.

Cats love the rain,
but only from a windowsill
inside a safe, warm house.

This is a safe world of broad generalizations and sweet-and-simple, but artsy, illustrations. If you're an exhausted caregiver, this book might prove helpful for lulling you to sleep.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: There is a softness
and a quiet
before the rain comes.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates...you guessed it...RAIN. It focuses on animals and nature. Readers see how various animals react/respond to coming rain, actual rain, and the aftermath of a good rain. (Hint: everyone loves rain).

My thoughts: What you see is what you get. If you are looking for a picture book about RAIN then this one is a good, strong, [poetic] choice.

I liked this one. I loved the text more than the illustrations. (But that could just be me).

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ Rain is for everyone!”This terrific picture book by Cynthia Rylant and beautifully illustrated by Lisa Congdon sings the praises of rain. It is almost as soft and gentle as a spring rain itself. There is ample repetition that gives it a lyrical quality as it tells the story of how the animals and pets - as well as humans react to the rain and “... have a place to go.” This book is perfect for a class read aloud (on a rainy day no less) as it also sends a valuable message about just how essential rain is - despite the fact that it may keep us all inside.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rylant's work. This book is particularly gentle and soft. Readers can feel the warm drops of summer on bare arms hot from work and play. The rhythm of the text is lyrical. I am not sure the illustrations tell the story on their own but they are quite lovely and enhance the story. "Cats love the rain, but only from a windowsill inside a safe, warm house."

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter your feelings on rain when you picked up this book, when you put it down you will be convinced that is glorious. Cynthia Rylant, in her calm assuredness, is just that convincing. Rain is approaching as the book opens and all of the animals, and humans, are heading home. This is a perfect read aloud for a rainy day any time of year.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the picture book greats teams up with a terrific illustrator to make an excellent book. I love here how the animals are shown in full (and beautifully done), but all we see of the humans is their feet and their boots, so there's no issues with race or gender, and the book can simply be enjoyed for what it is--a book about rain.

[Lydia McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read (with vibrant illustrations) that did a fabulous job describing how the world around us responds to rain. This story instills the message that “every living thing will be better” after a rainfall, making rain a delightful form of weather versus the typical gloomy description. I would check this book out again.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a mix of receptivity, a rainstorm impacts people on the streets as some bustle along regardless, others seek shelter, and some enjoy the wet weather. Typical of Cynthia Rylant, choice and original descriptions of the rain are visually displayed in bright colorful art by Lisa Congdon. Perhaps a limited child audience appeal for this lyrical description of people in the rain.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wonderful, free rain."
-Cynthia Rylant, excerpt from "Rain."

An instant classic. Poetic, thoughtful prose paired with lovely illustrations including a few quirky (divine) patterns: the umbrella holder, the wallpaper, the rain boots...

Themes: Rain
Ages: PreK-2nd grade
Pub year: 2023

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrations are a little folk arty and make use of vibrant colors. The endpapers are incredible (!!!) and repeat the illustrations found in the book. The text is poetic and lovely and supports the idea of a cozy little world impacted by a rain storm. Great for preschoolers.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ode to rain describes how various creatures prepare for precipitation and enjoy its presence, plus extols the life-giving nature of rainwater. Beautiful illustrations show just how lovely a rainy day can be.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book celebrates rain and talks about what animals do in the rain and also how they know it's coming. There's a nice inclusion of non-fiction information in the story. Perfect for a rainy day. Pair with "B-O-O-T-S" by Laurie Berkner in a preschool storytime.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this one but it might be more for older kids than my storytime kiddos. if we get to this one depends on how rambunctious they are tomorrow. lovely art and i loved the focus on nature.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, bright pictures join with simple test to describe what different animals and even people do right before the rain comes. Then, what all do during a gentle rain.
Colorful, flowery endpapers.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a soft, lyrical feel to it and it explains the way different animals (including humans) react to rain and how rain helps everyone. A decent, but not outstanding, group read aloud on rain or nature or weather.

[Kelly]

As only Cynthia Rylant can do, she wrote a sweet, gentle story about rain, but one that involves all of us. The illustrations keep up the quiet vibe of the text.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous picture book about what happens on a rainy day.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely lyrical work by the author, as people and animals experience the wonders of rain.

[Zan Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children, animals, and natural life react to a coming rainstorm that will nourish them all.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's this kind of book that makes you remember that Cynthia Rylant is still important.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was certainly a love letter to rain and nature in general but I just didn't love it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner by an author for children. Enjoy what rain brings to all!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a joyful ode to rain with a timeless feel. Everyone reacts a little differently to rain, but it helps us all. Lively, colorful illustrations with lots of fun use of patterns.