As an Oregonian, I like to think I know a thing or two about rain. Especially after one of the worst — and wettest — winters on record! And though this rainier-than-usual winter has left me really craving sunshine, the beautiful new picture book Rain by Sam Usher reminded me of its beauty and its potential.
Sam and Granddad brave the rain and floods and have the best adventure ever!
Sam wants to go out, but it’s pouring rain, so Granddad says they need to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Granddad does some paperwork. When Granddad needs to mail his letter, it’s time to go out—despite the rain and floods—and Sam and Granddad have a magical adventure. The follow-up to the acclaimed Snow, this is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather from creator Sam Usher.
Let’s start with the pretty stuff. This book is just gorgeous. The cover has no jacket, but instead has raised spot gloss to mimic actual drops of rain on the cover. It’s gorgeous and tactile and really clever, and my day-job printer self is just oozing over the creative use of spot gloss.
Then there’s the illustrations themselves. Usher captures personalities in all of his characters, but his illustrations also really highlight the underappreciated beauty of the rain. Puddles and raindrops and reflections and the shifting colors of grays and blues. On one page, he even shows his characters through a large reflection — and it’s just stunning and captivating.
There’s also the story itself. So beautifully written, Usher really captures the magic of a child’s imagination, the unexpected possibilities we find in rain, and a gentle reminder that good things are worth waiting for.
Look for this beautiful book in stores now.
Novel Novice 
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