Top 16 Children's Books About Rain Updated 04 /2024

London Littles rain boots are perfect for sliding down the stairs and splashing in puddles, but there is so much happiness to be found inside on rainy days. Our picture book contributors haveput together a list of books that celebrate these small delights, teaching children how to find brightness even on the gloomiest of days.

Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse; illustrated by Jon J. Muth

On a dry, scorching summer day, a little girl yearns for the clouds to open up and let the rain come pouring down. At the first sight of a grey cloud, she collects her friends to rejoice in the summer storm. This treasure of a book uses vivid writing and lovely watercolor illustrations to remind readers of the rejuvenating effect rain has.

This Beautiful Day by Richard Jackson; illustrated by Suzy Lee

In the rain, three energetic kids enjoy the beauty by jumping in puddles and marching through their neighborhood. They encourage others to join them in a fun parade. The illustrations are very fun and show the movement of the kids and the happy tone of the book very well.

I Don’t Like Rain by Sarah Dillard

There are a lot of woodland animals who run away when there is a chance of rain. A bunny wonders what it is about rain that they don't like. In the rain, the bunny shares their dislike of rain until she realizes that she can have fun outside in her raincoat and rain boots! Colorful illustrations and onomatopoeia make this a good book to read aloud to young children because it is easy for them to understand.

Float by Daniel Miyares

To sail his paper boat outside, the boy wears a bright yellow rain jacket and boots. You can see how much joy he gets from jumping into water, and how heartbroken he is when his boat gets stuck in a drain pipe in this beautiful wordless picture book. His parents will give him some comfort and give him a new idea for a new adventure. This amazing story even comes with folding instructions for kids to make their own boats and a surprise at the end.

The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell; illustrated by Eric Velasquez

For some reason, the annual parade has to be called off because it's raining. This makes a little girl named Jazmin very angry. She shows how angry she is by splashing in puddles. Then, as she finds out how much fun it is to play in the rain, her stomps become skips. It's a lot of fun, so other kids from their neighborhood join in. When it's sunny, they call Jazmin the Rain Stomper and thank her for driving the storm away. This book is a great one to read aloud because of the lively illustrations and the fun onomatopoeia text.

Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre

Photos and words that are both beautiful and poetic give a lot of information about the natural world during a rainstorm. The text moves in time with the raindrops as beautiful pictures show insects hiding under leaves and plants getting a refreshing shower. When the storm is over, raindrops can be seen elegantly dangling from spider webs or sliding down the petals of plants. An author's note gives more information about the different types of water and why raindrops can cling, magnify, reflect, and dry. This great book is likely to make young people want to put on their galoshes and look around their own yards with a magnifying glass.

Puddle by Hyewon Yum

Little boys get very angry when they can't do everything they want.

In his imaginative world, his mother invites him to draw pictures of them having fun outside in the rain with a pen and a piece of paper. Inspired by their work, they go outside and act out their imaginative designs.

After the Rain byRebecca KoehnandSimone Krüger

Dressed in waterproof clothes, a boy runs outside to play in a stream of water, only to find that another girl is also there. A fight breaks out over the best puddles until the two kids realize that their splashing is making the water quickly evaporate. A truce is agreed to, and the kids work together to make a new place to play. They learn that it's more fun to play together.

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

It's hard not to laugh while reading this book that won an award. It's fun for Piggie and Gerald to play outside until they start to feel the rain. When Piggie and Gerald switch places, Piggie is sad that their day is over, but Gerald helps Piggie have fun on a rainy day. This book is great for kids who are just learning to read on their own or for parents who want to read it to their kids. It's also a lot of fun.

 

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Singing in the Rainby Tim Hopgood (Henry Holt & Co.).

Take out this one and sing along if you're having a bad day. The colors and song are sure to cheer you up.

Rain!by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson (HMH Books for Young Readers).

A young boy convinces an old man that rain can be good. Find the good in everything and go with him as he convinces him.

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates (Simon & Schuster)

This story about an umbrella has a strong message about being welcome. A good book to read on rainy - or sunny - days

Worm Weather by Jean Taft and Matt Hunt (Penguin Random House)

With simple rhymes and bright pictures, this is a happy book about rain (and the sun after the storm).

Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle and G. Brian Karas (Candlewick)

Thunder and lightning can be heard in New York City as tiny raindrops hit the ground. They find that rain can bring people together. If you like to read aloud, this is a good one to do.

Bruce’s Big Storm by Ryan T. Higgins (Disney-Hyperion)

Everyone's favorite grumpy bear is back. This time, when a big storm comes, he gives his neighbors shelter even though he doesn't want to. Ultimately, Bruce helps save the day, but his neighbors need to save money of their own as well, so they both need to do their part.

Cloudetteby Tom Lichtenheld (Henry Holt & Co.)

People who are small can do big things, even if they're small clouds. Cloudette is the cutest cloud you've ever seen.

Once Upon a Raindrop by James Carter and Nomoco

It's a great way to learn about the history of water from the start. Beautiful illustrations bring this story to life with rushing, gushing speed. The poetry is interesting and informative.

Under the Umbrella by Catherine Buquet and Marion Arbona

I'm really in love with this one. It is about a man who is outside on a rainy day and sees only bad weather. A little boy with an eye for beauty helps him change his mind. Another great book about the power of kindness.

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