Home in the Rain

Home in the Rain by Bob Graham (Walker Books) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781406368239

Reviewed by Ashling Kwok

Home in the Rain is the beautiful, heartwarming story of Francie and her mum who are driving home from Grandma’s in the pouring rain. The rain is so heavy and the journey so long that the car windows fog up. Francie wets her finger and writes the words ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’ and ‘Francie’ on the windows, leaving the back window free for the name of her soon-to-be sister.

Still far from home, Francie and Mum stop for a picnic. While they enjoy Grandma’s plum jam sandwiches, Francie starts to wonder what her new baby sister’s name will be. Could it be Alice, or Emma, or maybe even Zoe? Mum assures Francie that somewhere out there is a name that will fit the baby perfectly.

When Francie and Mum finish their picnic, they set off on the rest of their journey, eventually reaching their destination. By the time they get home, the name of Francis’s new sister has been scribbled across the back window.
Home in the Rain is another magnificent book from multi-award winning author-illustrator Bob Graham, who has a knack for producing high quality stories that touch the heart and warm the soul. The text is delightful and the illustrations are so endearing they bring the story to life.

Home in the Rain is perfect for children aged 3+ years and families expecting a baby. It is a lovely story about how the simple things in life can create the most memorable moments. It will captivate the hearts of young and old and become a firm family favourite.

Zoo Train

Zoo Train by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Daron Parton (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781922179876

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is a humorous rhyming and rhythmic sing-song tale of a trip through the zoo on a train. The family has brought a picnic lunch with popcorn, juice, and cake. It’s a cold day but that doesn’t matter. Everyone is rugged up.

It’s all so exciting passing through the different areas, seeing all the big animals in their environment. The train goes past a monkey’s cage being cleaned out by the keepers. Have they shut the cage door properly?

Water falls on the boy’s head. His ears are cold. It seems to be snowing but only on him.  Why if he’s wearing a hat?  They have reached their destination and everyone gets out. His pants seem too big. They won’t stay up. What’s going on?

It’s time for a snack. The lunch bag is empty! The food is not the only thing missing. They go back the way they came in search of the missing items. The animals are enjoying the picnic lunch, wearing the boy’s hat, scarf and belt. Who and where is the culprit?

This simply has to be read aloud. The sounds and rhythm move to a musical beat. The illustrations in mixed media are striking and the characters’ expressions speak for themselves. Young readers will love listening to this, while following the pictures and guessing who the guilty animal is. There is so much to see on every page. It’s a visual feast ideal for readers 3+ years.