When Isaac Hears the Rain

Celebrate the unexpected joy of a rainy day with this quietly exuberant book about a young boy who delights in the rejuvenating power of rain.

When the rain starts to fall, others may dash, yelp, and dodge, as their smiles turn into frowns. But not Isaac. Isaac embraces the rain with curiosity and wonder, grateful for its renewing power and grounded in the world around him. Written with equal parts heart and whimsy, and with a nod to Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day, this environmentally conscious narrative makes a fantastic read-aloud for readers, young and old.

​Author Julie Thompson wrote this sweet celebration of Black Boy Joy as an ode to her two sons. And the lyrical text will encourage readers everywhere to cherish those unexpected moments of joy that provide a welcome respite from the challenges of life.

Julie Thompson creates stories that reflect and celebrate the lived experiences of children everywhere. As a mother of two boys, she is especially drawn to books that honor Black Boy joy. Julie is inspired by the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her 27-year career in youth services, community outreach, and law enforcement, and she hopes to encourage open dialogue within families and their communities. She lives with her two sons in Toronto, Canada, where she teaches yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.

Leah Giles grew up in Toronto, Canada, where she studied film, animation, and illustration. She moved to New York City to pursue studies in illustration and art education. Leah loves any and all things bright, bold, and radically lovely. She currently paints, draws, and collages in a noisy little apartment near the park.