When the Rain Comes

I was intrigued by the title of When the Rain Comes. I expected an adventure story. Instead it is really a drama about a little girl who is told to watch a huge ox. The ox carries all of that town’s seeds for the next year. Everyone depends on it. But a flash flood occurs. I enjoyed the rhythmic and lyrical text on every page. My favorite page is when the brave girl is in the barn with the ox because of all the noises described, like snorting, panting, stomping, and howling. The author, Alma Fullerton, chose a great illustrator. Kim La Fave creates brilliant drawings that make the book glow. They are dark or bright depending on the presence of the storm. I think most kids four to ten would enjoy this book. The moral is that no matter how small you are, you can make a difference. I would recommend this book if you want to be calmed by the musical writing and held by the suspense of a girl risking her life for her village.