More often than not, I hear about upcoming picture books from authors, illustrators and editors on Twitter. But that’s not at all how I became acquainted with the beautiful new picture book SUNDAY RAIN. My longtime critique partner Rosie J. Pova sent SUNDAY RAIN to me, and to the rest of our writing group, as a promising manuscript. When I read it, I stopped in my tracks. This was one special story.
And I’m not the only one who thinks so! The New York Times featured SUNDAY RAIN in a March round-up of 8 Picture Books About Imagination and Identity. Wowza. Doesn’t get much bigger than that! I jumped out of my chair when I heard Rosie’s good news!
What makes SUNDAY RAIN so very special? So many things! How it plays in your ear when you read it aloud… how it sparsely-but-powerfully depicts the strain of displacement… how it dives into play as both a great escape and the truest path forward... all at once. Here’s the sweet cover, which brings to my mind the light, playful sketches found within the children’s book THE LITTLE PRINCE.
SUNDAY RAIN by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Amariah Rauscher (Lantana, March 2021) swooshes readers from rocky waters of worry into the joy and excitement of what could be - a message sure to connect with families starting over in a new place. Here are three things that I love about SUNDAY RAIN…
Springing with Sound
SUNDAY RAIN takes place on a blustery day. Elliott is reading in his room when the “whoosh” of the wind and a “knock” from a branch cause him to stop reading his book and peak out the window. On the other side of the pane, leaves blow and thunder booms, but alas, it’s just a storm. Elliott returns to his book, where a girl fights a dragon upon the sea. Elliott much prefers adventure and make believe to the reality outside his room: a new, unfamiliar neighborhood.
The storm continues. Raindrops “tap, tap” on the roof. Then Elliott hears something new – laughter. Though Elliott watches timidly, this bright, silvery sound provides a sliver of hope that cuts through the layered rainstorm soundtrack with an invitation to adventure.
Moving Metaphor
With a little prodding from Mama, Elliott grabs his galoshes and heads out into the Sunday rain, where the laughing children are at play. The air around him smells of “wet grass and flowers and the pages of a new book.” Elliott comes alive, roaring to the rain and jumping into a puddle.
Elliott’s imagination takes off – his words, a metaphor for feelings deep inside. “My boat is filling up with water,” Elliott says. “Row faster!” the children encourage. “The dragon is pushing me,” Elliott says. “We’ll fight it,” a child offers in support. In this make-believe world, Elliott is joined in battle with instant friends, ready and eager to help him navigate a new world.
Finding Solid Ground
The brave crew confronts the dragon at sea. When will the danger stop? It’s Elliott who declares that solid ground’s been found. Sun cracks through the clouds, ray by ray, and Elliott finds his footing. No one can say when the stresses and strains of an obstacle have ceased to cause trouble, save the person experiencing them. It’s moving that Elliott makes the celebratory declaration on his own, with confidence and joy.
For Elliott, imagination is a magnet for friends and a compass through rough waters. And inspiration for his journey forward, into his new community, begins with a book. SUNDAY RAIN is a reminder that stories read alone can spur bravery, and that stories shared can lead to grand adventures.
Rosie J. Pova is the author of If I Weren't With You (SPORK, an imprint of Clear Fork Publishing, 2017), Hailey Queen Pranking Makes Perfect: The Alien Encounter (SPORK, 2017), and Sarah's Song (SPORK, Fall 2017). Rosie also works as a Writing Instructor in the Dallas Independent School District through the Writer's Garret. Rosie is originally from Bulgaria and now lives in Texas with her husband and three kids. She writes for children of all age groups, as well as poetry, with poems appearing in literary magazines such as Poetry Quarterly, Burningword Literary Journal, Haiku Journal, and more.
Amariah Rauscher is the illustrator of the Princess Truly book series (Scholastic), including titles I Am Truly!, and My Magical Sparkling Curls. Amariah has a Masters in Communication, but enjoys painting pictures most of all. Her work on the Princess Truly series is dedicated to her children, who have provided so much inspiration along the way. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and three dogs.
One lucky reader will win SUNDAY RAIN,
signed by Rosie J. Pova!
1. "Like" this post (click the heart below)
2. Follow me (@anitraschulte) on Twitter
3. Follow Rosie (@RosiePOV) on Twitter
4. Retweet my pinned contest tweet by 4/9/21
5. Tag a friend!
(Extra entry if you request SUNDAY RAIN from your local library!)
GOOD LUCK!