Read, Read, Read said the Baby: Raindrops fall all around by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Laura Watson

This boardbook is adapted from a full-sized picture book. I haven't read the original, but the board book works very well.

Smooth rhymes talk about the raindrops falling all around, focusing on various animals and ending with a rainbow. "A flowing creek fills up with rain./Rain seeps down into the drain." shows a cheerful yellow duck, two chipmunks, and an orange bird parading over a slowing filling creek while the opposite page shows three smiling cats watching the rain pour down into a storm drain.

The illustrations are large spot illustrations set against a white background and picture a cast of colorful and happy animals. Even the dog and cat, obviously a little nervous about the thunder, are curled up cozily together. The animals are cartoonish but easily identifiable.

The book is a large square about 8x8 and although the text is an odd, thin font, it would still make quite a decent read-aloud.

Verdict: A great choice for a rain-themed baby or toddler storytime or for reading on a rainy day. Picture Window books are only available in library binding, so this board book is an excellent and affordable alternative. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781479560424; Published 2015 by Picture Window; Borrowed from another library in my consortium