With summer sunshine comes the inevitable afternoon summer storms, and they can put a damper on a day where the fun was just getting started. One minute, you’re on your way to the park or the pool, and the next, you’re scrambling to keep your little one entertained while stuck indoors. But don’t fret! Rainy days don’t have to mean boring ones. In fact, they can be the perfect opportunity to cozy up with a good book and get a jumpstart on your child’s education. I’ve curated a list of six entertaining picture books that are guaranteed to spark imagination, encourage creativity, and bring a little bit of sunshine to even the cloudiest of days.
1. Rain! by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
Different people react differently to rain, where an eager little boy might happily exclaim, “Rain!”, across town, a grumpy old man may grumble “Rain.” In this charming picture book, a city experiencing one of the rainiest of days comes to life through Christian Robinson’s vibrant, cut-paper style artwork. Let your little reader get stuck inside wonder: is the boy’s contagious enthusiasm enough to cheer up the grouchy old man and turn the day around?
“A book that is sure to have readers jumping merrily in puddles and dancing in the rain, this is an inspiration to look on the bright side of things and share your happiness.”
From Tasha on Goodreads
2. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett (Illustrator)
The tiny town of Chewandswallow is just like any other town, except for the weather, which rains down food three times a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The weather in Chewandswallow is never rainy and it’s never snowy, it’s only ever windy, and sometimes that wind blows in storms of hamburgers and soup, and juice! The townspeople have grown to love their unique weather, that is until the food begins to become bigger and bigger, and the town suddenly becomes plagued by damaging floods and storms of huge food. Something has to be done quickly, and your young reader might just have the answer!
“The story is fun and the illustrations are special. To sum it up: incredibly creative, imaginative, funny, really great illustrations, and the illustrator is even a vegetarian.”
From Lisa Vegan on Goodreads
3. Cloudette by Tom Lichtenfeld
Cloudette may be small, but her dreams are huge! And who’s to say that small things can’t accomplish big things? Follow this tiny cloud, Cloudette, as she searches for a way to make a big difference despite her size, all while proving that even the smallest of things can do the greatest of things.
“This is a fun little story about a cloud. It shows how everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small you are. The story has fun illustrations and has a smidgen of science, too.”
From Dolly on Goodreads
4. Worm Weather by Jean Taft and Matt Hunt (Illustrator)
Through the concepts of imagination and weather, Worm Weather takes young readers through a story full of splashing puddles and rainy day fun. But as kids skip, hop, and dash through rainy day puddles, they’re not the only ones enjoying the fun. A curious little worm begins to wiggle along, loving the stormy weather just as much as the child does! With playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this picture-filled story celebrates the joy of a rainy day and the small creatures who enjoy it too.
“What a wonderful book to read to toddlers and infants about rainy weather. I loved the simple rhyming scheme continued well throughout the book and each sentence was short and sweet.”
From Ersa S. on Goodreads
5. The Little Raindrop by Joanna Gray and Dubravka Kolanovic (Illustrator)
In The Little Raindrop, you and your young reader can follow one tiny raindrop on its big, beautiful journey from sky to stream and back again! You and your reader will be taken on an adventure through the water cycle, showing how clouds, puddles, rivers, and sunshine all work together. With beautiful, gentle pastel illustrations and a story full of wonder and discovery, this heartwarming book makes science fun and accessible for all the curious kids out there!
“The author used details and wording that makes it easy for young readers to comprehend the stages of the water cycle. The illustrations are very soft, calming, and just made me feel all warm inside!”
From Shakemia Jones on Goodreads
6. Just a Rainy Day by Mercer Mayer
Rainy days don’t always have to be boring! In Just a Rainy Day, join Little Critter and Little Sister as they work to find creative ways to turn a stormy and gloomy afternoon into a fun-filled adventure! From indoor games to imaginative play, this fun story captures the excitement of sibling bonding and making the best of any weather.
So the next time a summer storm rolls in and eliminates your daily plans, don’t let the rain wash away the fun! Go grab a cozy blanket, cuddle up with your little one, and dive into one of these and many other delightful reads.
Looking for more fun reads to keep your child entertained this summer? Check out our article Summer Reading Checklist for Kids of All Ages!
To find these rainy day reads and more visit our Bookshop Rainy Day Children’s Books bookshelf!
