The Rain Stomper by Addie K. Boswell, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

See that cover image, it beautifully captures the spirit and energy of this book.  Jazmin wakes up on the first day of spring and prepares to be in the parade.  She puts on her red suit, picks up her baton and dreams of the cheering crowds.  But then she hears thunder and rain begins to pour down.  Jazmin is stunned.  Rain ruins parades.  But then she gets angry and takes action:  she heads into the rain, stomping, pounding, kicking and racing.  A crowd begins to gather around Jazmin as she splashes, spins and jumps.  Jazmin has her parade after all, just a different one than she planned.

There are several things that make this book work so very well.  First is the writing that is energized with verbs that move and beat and swirl.  One can’t read the text without rhythm and movement.  Second are the vivid and motion-filled illustrations that also inspire movement.  And the final important component is frustration being turned into action, demonstrating a healthy way to release emotions, until by the end the emotion has changed into triumph.  All of this accomplished with no lecturing or finger pointing, just great book creation.

This will work well as a read aloud for preschoolers who are itching to move.  I’d get them wiggling along with Jazmin and be prepared for an impromptu parade forming.  Appropriate for ages 3-6.