Toad Weather by Sandra Markle & illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781561458189
$16.99 Hardcover
32 pages, Ages 4-8

About the book: There's nothing to do on a rainy day, Ally thinks. But Mama says shes seen something amazing, so despite Ally's misgivings, she sets out with her mother and grandmother. On her journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, splashing cars, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. They turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. Whats happening?

My thoughts: Beautifully done art brings to life a rainy day when light glistens and colors reflect on the watery surfaces. Love the gentle images of the characters as they grace the pages when they sally forth to see what is happening outside in a rainy world.

As Ally gazes at the dull, wet world just outside her window definitely feeling rainy-day doldrums, in bursts her mother who has something wonderful to show her. Mama tells Grandmother and Ally to grab their slickers and boots and come with her. Well, Grandmother doesn't want to go out in the wet. But ultimately they all go.

I loved the text which tells a story with just enough words. The illustrations are colorful and yet still translate the feeling of a wet, rainy, dull, gray day. Love the splashes of various colors in this world of gray.

The story isn't just about going out and splashing around a bit in the rain. No, this has an endearing real-life adventure. You see, when it is "Toad Weather" magical things happen. The story is not just about the rain, it is about the life of toads and why Toad Weather is such a great "happening."

GIVEAWAY: Publisher is offering one of  Chat With Vera's reader the opportunity to win a copy. If you (same name or mailing address) have won prize in another giveaway, you are not eligible to win it again from this giveaway. Publisher has right to deny prize to winner in case of duplication. Begins March 28 & ENDS April 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open for USA addresses only.

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Teachers' Guide & a coloring sheet

Author & illustrator information: Sandra Markle is the author of more than two hundred children's books, which have won numerous awards, including Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, IRA/CBC Children's Choice, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Books for Children, NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended, and ALA Notable Books for Children. She lives in New Zealand.

Thomas Gonzalez was born in Havana, Cuba, and moved to the United States as a child. An artist and painter, he also illustrated The House on Dirty-third Street and the New York Times bestseller 14 Cows for America. He lives in Georgia.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Peachtree Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.