It starts with a tap, tap, and then there are dark clouds, and suddenly rain is pouring. People reach for their umbrellas. Pedestrians scramble for the dry warmth of the subway. Strangers laugh and bond as the storm grows. And then, suddenly, the rain and thunder are gone, leaving behind a wonderful surprise -- and perhaps a few new friends, brought together by the weather.
From the first time I read this book, I loved it. The words simply sound like a building storm, quick and short at the beginning, then growing, becoming bold-faced and crackling and large as the storm itself grows. The rhythm and onomatopoeia add to the effect, and make it perfect for lessons on both, although it would work just as well as an introduction to units on weather or friendship, or for helping a small child overcome a fear of storms. Both the illustrations and the design of the text (line breaks, font choices, etc.), are superb complements to the story. While the illustrations are based on a large city, the feeling of escaping a storm is universal, as is the way something as simple as inclement weather can bring people together and just as easily release them again.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn
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