• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 4 to 7

Celebrate the unexpected joy of a rainy day with this quietly exuberant book about a young boy who delights in the rejuvenating power of rain.

When the rain starts to fall, others may dash, yelp, and dodge, as their smiles turn into frowns. But not Isaac. Isaac embraces the rain with curiosity and wonder, grateful for its renewing power and grounded in the world around him. Written with equal parts heart and whimsy, and with a nod to Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day, this environmentally conscious narrative makes a fantastic read-aloud for readers, young and old.

​Author Julie Thompson wrote this sweet celebration of Black Boy Joy as an ode to her two sons. And the lyrical text will encourage readers everywhere to cherish those unexpected moments of joy that provide a welcome respite from the challenges of life.

Julie Thompson has worked with children and youth for over 27 years. She is a Canadian author of books for children and youth, a police officer and a youth communication specialist. As a mother of two boys, it’s very important to Julie that she create stories that resonate with young readers and focus on diverse characters. She hopes to write more books addressing many of the everyday obstacles that youth face, as well as some of the larger issues that marginalized and racialized individuals experience. In 2018, the City of Markham honored Julie for her outstanding work with youth within the Black Community. Julie lives in Toronto with her children.

Julie Thompson's profile page

Leah Giles' profile page

A Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book—NCTE

Best Books for Kids and Teens 2024—Canadian Children's Book Centre