Rainy Day Reads

Those April showers have been hanging around the last few days, and when weren't  out stomping in puddles, we were hunkered down indoors, trying to keep warm, dry, and entertained.

 
There's nothing like a good book to get you through a storm. Here are some of the awesome books we enjoy on a rainy day (or any day, for that matter). And don't you worry: this post is spoiler free...

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*The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown*

The Curious Garden is a story about an inquisitive little boy, and the discovery that changes his life, and the lives of everyone around him. It's about finding beauty in unexpected places, and urban gardening gone wild. It's truly a beautiful story, with beautiful pictures to match.

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*Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle, Illustrated by Jill McElmurry*

This is one of my three year old son's all-time favorite books. It's got it all: a friendly blue truck, helpful farm animals, a big dump truck, and a valuable life lesson. Plus the illustrations are fantastic!

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A little nonfiction, in case your little ones are asking...

 *How the World Works, by Christiane Dorion, Illustrated by Beverly Young*

Flaps, Tabs, Pop-ups, and wheels make this colorful science book oh so fun! This book tackles all sorts of big scientific issues, from how life on Earth began, to how weather is caused, to the food chain, to environmental issues, and so much more. The interactive style makes learning an absolute joy.

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Vintage. These next two babies belonged to me as a child. So yep, they're old, but man are they good...

 *Mog the Forgetful Cat,  by Judith Kerr*

The tale of a forgetful, melancholy, obnoxious, yet lovable cat. Just when you think she is the worst cat ever, she totally redeems herself. As the owner of a very similar cat, I totally relate.

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*Allumette, by Tomi Ungerer*

A VERY special storm, for a very special little girl. This book gives proof that the world truly is a wonderful place, and I believe it is also responsible for my love of thunderstorms.

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For the Grown Ups...

*Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen*

Okay, this one really doesn't have much to do with rain directly, but I just finished reading it, and it was awesome. I'm probably one of the last people in the country to read this one (and I still haven't seen the movie!) but WOW. I don't want to ruin it if you have yet to read it, but it really is an incredible story: it's raw, and brutal, but so romantic, and for some reason, I am suddenly very fascinated by circuses. Highly recommend!

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And last but not least...

When it's "too wet to go out,

and too cold to play ball",

The Cat in the Hat

is the best of them all!

Do I even need to say that it's by Dr. Suess??

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These books almost make me wish for more rain. Almost. 

How do you survive a rainy day?