Sun and Rain have never met. It seemed to Rain that whenever she arrived, Sun would quickly leave.

Sun had wondered about Rain, but only knew that Rain was quick to disappear whenever she got close.

Sun and Rain don’t realise they have mutual friends that like to spend time with both of them. These friends are Clouds who appear when Sun or Rain are in the sky.

One day they ask Rain about Sun and whether they have ever met?

“Sun? I’m not sure she wants to know me. Whenever I turn up, she vanishes.”

When Clouds ask Sun about this,

Sun shook her fiery mane. “Oh no,” she said. “If I am here, she won’t come near.”

 

Clouds are left feeling sad they can’t bring their good friends Sun and Rain together. At least until they get a great idea.

Telling both Sun and Rain to meet them at the same time in a special place, these two powers of the sky finally meet – And the unexpected result is spectacular!

Such a simple story concept that culminates in one of Nature’s wonders that capture people’s attention and joy around the world – a fully developed rainbow.

A Sun Shower always seems strange to young children. How can it be raining and sunny at the same time? This awe is universal, but so is friendship – the other important theme in this picture book. Sometimes misunderstandings or apprehension between children at making new friends is a hard gap to bridge. But often, just like Sun and Rain, with their friends Clouds to help – something truly special can happen between them.

Sun Shower will be a treat to read to small children, and also kick off conversations about Weather, Seasons and Nature at kindergarten or in junior classes at school. Even if not reading the text, the illustrations are full of movement and stories of their own to pore over. I smiled as I discovered a Taniwha and when I recognised some of the buildings or places in Aotearoa.

A beautiful picture book by a New Zealand Author and Illustrator – both Multi Award Winners. A team made in the heavens.

Also in te reo – He Taru Kahika (Maori Edition)

Author – Melinda Syzmanik

Illustrator – Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

Picture Book

(2023, Scholastic, Clouds, Sun, Rain, Weather, Sky, Friendship, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Worry, Fears, Worries, Apprehension)