A Rainy-Day Favorite: Discovering Worm Weather
As a mom blogger, I often find that my favorite moments with my children come when we cozy up with a good book. Just the other day, after an unexpected downpour, my kids looked out the window watching the rain dribble down, their curious little faces reflecting both wonder and a hint of mischief. That’s when I knew it was the perfect time to dive into Worm Weather by Tanya Lee Stone with them.
This delightful picture book, published by Grosset & Dunlap as part of the Penguin Core Concepts series, is a celebration of those rainy days that keep us indoors but open the door to adventure. It starts off with a playful rhythm: "Drip, drop, skip and hop," suggesting there are endless possibilities in the puddles. The story follows a group of children who exuberantly splash through the rain, and in this fun-filled chaos, they inadvertently bring joy to a nearby worm.
One of the things I love about this book is its relatability. My children were immediately drawn to the thought of a worm sharing their excitement about the rain. My five-year-old giggled as he imagined himself as the worm, highlighting that wonderful childlike perspective we often overlook as adults. It’s not about the rain being a nuisance—instead, Worm Weather captures the beauty of finding joy in a rainy day, and it speaks to that infectious enthusiasm children have in embracing nature’s little surprises.
The illustrations provided in Worm Weather are a feast for the eyes! They are vibrant and full of life, making you feel like you’re dancing right alongside the kids and the worm. My youngest captivated by the colors, pointed out every little detail, from splashing feet to fluttering leaves, asking questions that sparked a whirlwind of discussions. It truly is an excellent read-aloud book, with its rhythmic, rhyming text holding their attention and adding a musicality that makes it fun to read.
A delightful moment came when we reached a page where the children rush outside, and my daughter exclaimed, “Can we go play in the rain too?” While parents occasionally dread the mess that comes with mud and puddles, this book gently nudges us to say yes to those spontaneous adventures. The reading turned into a playful debate about whether or not worms were actually enjoying the rain just as much as we were.
In terms of educational value, Worm Weather introduces concepts like rhyming and onomatopoeia in such an engaging manner that you hardly notice you’re learning! It’s perfect for ages 2 to 4, making it an ideal addition to any preschool library or as part of a spring-themed storytime.
I would definitely recommend this book to any parent looking to ignite a love for reading in their young children or just seeking a joyful way to embrace a rainy day. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely morning with your coffee or wrapping up the day with snuggles, this book invites you to celebrate the little things.
After reading Worm Weather, I knew we had found a new family favorite. It’s a reminder that even the stormiest days can hold a sprinkle of magic. I can see us returning to this delightful story again and again, much like those persistent little worms that pop up after the rain, inviting us into their world of wonder.
Get ready for fun with Worm Weather from Penguin Core Concepts! >>
