• Age: 1 to 3
• Grade: p

Sunny rain sparkling showers
Water for our trees and flowers

For preschoolers, rainy weather is full of possibility. A puddle in the back yard is just waiting for a stomp in rubber rain boots. A light drizzle is perfect for a search-and-rescue mission for worms and snails. And watching a heavy rainfall makes sitting inside with a warm bowl of soup all the cozier.

In Rainy Days, author Deborah Kerbel once again captures the magic of early childhood awe and wonder with rhyming couplets that celebrate every kind of rainy-day activity. Illustrator Miki Sato’s unique tactile collage art nearly rises from the page with fascinating features made from paper, felt, and embroidery silk. A final page includes enriching STEM activities inquisitive little ones. Rainy Days is the fourth book in the Weather Days collection that includes the critically-acclaimed titles Snow Days, Sunny Days, and Windy Days.

“I cannot resist a clever bit of paper cutting, no matter how hard I want to… Layered paper illustrations by Sato expertly provide the color you need in a book with such gray skies.”—School Library Journal, Fuse 8

“Starting with the rain and how that can sadden kids, to finding the joy in things that kids can still (or only) do in the rain. Taking something that might make them sad and giving them ideas to have fun is always a good lesson for all of us, kids and parents. The illustrations are neat and clear, with details that enhance without distracting the reader.”—Youth Services Book Review

DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.

DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.

Deborah Kerbel's profile page

Miki Sato is a Japanese-Canadian illustrator who uses a variety of different textures and materials to create three-dimensional images. Originally from Ottawa, she moved to Toronto to complete her degree in illustration from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Her picture books include Snow Days, which was a finalist for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, Sunny Days, which was a 2021 CBC Books Best Book, Windy Days, which won a Northern Lights Book Award, and Rainy Days.

Miki Sato's profile page

• Short-listed, Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year Selection

Praise for Rainy Days

2023 Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year Selection

2023 Bank Street Library Margaret Wise Brown Best Board Books of the Year Selection

2022 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

2022 Toronto Public Library First and Best Selection

School Library Journal Fuse 8 “31 Days, 31 Lists: 2022 Great Board Books” Feature

Fall 2023 CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens Selection

2022 Vancouver Public Library “Books for Babies” Booklist Selection

2022 The Children’s Book Council “April: Hot Off the Press” feature

“Anyone seeking a refreshing spin on rainy-day books will find it here. This delightful picture book is awash in treats for readers’/listeners’ ears and eyes, with bouncy, lively, rhythmic verses…The artwork suits the book’s message, with pages splashed with lovely, lively, textured illustrations…Rainy days bring all sorts of pleasures; reading this book is just one of them.”—Kirkus Reviews

“I cannot resist a clever bit of paper cutting, no matter how hard I want to…This is one of those titles that have the poofy covers and then the thinner but incredibly difficult to rip or tear plasticy pages. You’ll appreciate their hearty quality since this book is bound to be a favorite each time a rainy day comes along.”— School Library Journal, Fuse 8

“Starting with the rain and how that can sadden kids, to finding the joy in things that kids can still (or only) do in the rain. Taking something that might make them sad and giving them ideas to have fun is always a good lesson for all of us, kids and parents. The illustrations are neat and clear, with details that enhance without distracting the reader.”—Youth Services Book Review

“As an adult, it is often easy to think of the inconveniences of rainy weather even if it is essential to life on our planet. This book highlights the joy that can be found on a nice rainy day.”—YA Books Central

“I will definitely be using this book in the classroom with my young readers, and I believe Rainy Days would be a great tool in any parent or teacher's toolbox”—CM Magazine

“The art is cut-paper art and collage, which I thought was very tactile and really interesting, and as you can see it is very bright and fun for kids.”—CTV Your Morning

“What a way to get started on a library for a new baby or a favorite toddler. Each of the books captures the magic found in nature and its many blessings.”— Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Rainy Days…is a rhyming, rhythmic romp through puddles. Fun to chant out loud, for a movement activity and for a look at how the world changes with rain.”—The International Educator

“5 out of 5 stars… The mixed-media art style is absolutely phenomenal. The bright colors are attractive, and every page is so beautiful...I am literally in awe of this gorgeous art! The text is simple, but enchanting…and is a delight to read out loud! This charming book will remind both adults and children that there is joy to be found in simple happy things… like a rainy day.”—Luminous Libro

“This sweet book is a celebration of rainy weather and all its possibilities…it captures the playful magic of a rainy day through the eyes of a child.”—Charlotte Offsay (@COffsay)

“This book is just perfect for a day like today…delicate, sweet words, and amazing illustrations bring rainy days to life in a joyful way. We especially loved how the illustrations [are] crafted. They jump off the page…We absolutely love it!”—Becca’s Book Box

“With colorful mixed-media collage art and fun rhymes, young children discover all the exciting activities that the rain provides. The thick pages are great for withstanding toddler life and there are a few ideas for experimenting in the rain as well.”—Jazmin (Instagram)

“This sweet book is a celebration of rainy weather and all its possibilities for play! From stomping in puddles to searching for worms and snails it captures the playful magic of a rainy day through the eyes of a child.”—Picturebookrecommendation (Instagram)