Silence can be golden even with books. Sometimes, the best told tales are wordless. In Rainstorm, Barbara Lehman tells of one such childhood adventure without words. The only description remains on the jacket flap. A child can figure out the tale for his or herself with parental discussion.

A boy is alone in his room in a big house on a rainy day. His ball rolls under a chair and he finds a key. What kind of key? What does it open? The boy finds a trunk with a ladder. Where does it go?

From there, Lehman’s tale becomes one of exploration and friendship. Her vivid illustrations using gouache, watercolor and ink drawings are detailed, colorful and lifelike.

Rainstorm is an enjoyable diversion on a rainy afternoon, one that my five-year old took part in with relish as we discussed the images and tracked the boy’s movement throughout the story. There are little details to attract the eye and discuss throughout because deciphering the tale is a cooperative effort. All in all, a fine diversion for the under 6 set. (three stars)

Author: Barbara Lehman
2007, Houghton Mifflin
32 pages


Recommended: Yes