Author/Illustrator: Karen Hesse/Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 1999
Genre: Poetry
Audience: Gr. K-3
Overview: It is the middle of a dry, hot, summer, and Tess is miserable. Plants are dying, animals are panting, and people are “sizzling.” Suddenly, Tess sees dark clouds in the distance, and she knows it’s going to rain. She runs off to gather all her friends, and they put on their bathing suits to wait for the first drops. The children dance and play as the rain streams down, and finally, their mamas join them, and they all “romp and reel” in the cleansing rain.
Activity: Have children use watercolor paints to depict themselves and their friends playing in the rain. Discuss the significance of rain to plants, animals, and people.
Reviewer’s Name: Katie Coursey
