By Yuko Ohnari and Koshiro Hata
Translated by Emily Balistrieri
Brooklyn, NY: Red Comet Press, 2025. Picture Book.
Translated from its original Japanese, Downpour describes the different sights, sounds, smells, and feels of an impending rainstorm. Our main character hears the rhythms the rain makes on his umbrella, smells the mixture of sky and ground, and feels how the rain cools the hot pavement. After enjoying the rainstorm, he begs for it to come again, but is satiated by taking his umbrella in the shower.
This book lights the senses on fire. Though simple in plot, the reader is actively engaged by feeling and experiencing everything our main character does. The simple language makes it a great read for young children who are building their vocabulary and are learning to interact with the world. As well, the plethora of onomatopoeic words are sure to get children laughing as their grown up reads aloud several silly sounds. The sensory experience is complete with stunning illustrations. The artists show variation in the intensity of the storm and change perspective to sometimes have us see through the boy's eyes. Overall, this is a vibrant appreciation of nature and the beauty of the senses.
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