Review: Mommy, Can You Stop the Rain

Mommy, Can You Stop the Rain? by Rona Milch Novick, illustrated by Anna Kubaszewska

Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Sandy Wasserman

This delightful picture book is so needed now during our stressful pandemic year and would also be calming and soothing at any time for a child during stressful moments. During the sounds of a rainstorm - thunder, lightening - the young child is anxious before bedtime. Although the parents inform the child that they cannot control the weather, the familiar homey things that surround the child are soothing; there's zaydeh's chicken soup pot to pound when the thunder is too loud, and Bubbie's blanket to cuddle in, and cookies to eat. There is Noah's ark on the wall, and the child's own drawing hanging by the bed, of Shabbat candles and the grandparents. Then, the sunny day comes after the night is over, brightly shining through the window. The reader feels just as comforted by the soft, gentle illustrations.

Throughout the text and illustrations it is clear this is a young Jewish child's home and bedroom. There are aleph bet blocks on the floor, references to chicken soup, to Zaydeh and Bubbie, to Noah's ark, and the child's hand drawn work near the bedside, of the grandparents. This book is a giant lullaby sure to be read many times over on many nights.

Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!

Reviewer Sandy Wasserman is a retired teacher. For over 35 years she had the pleasure of teaching mostly elementary students in the Gifted and Talented population. Those children and now her grandchildren inspire many of her stories. She loves to swim, read, travel, and her curiosity encourages her to explore unusual places. Sandy is a member of SCBWI, LICWI and the LI Association of Jewish Librarians. She has one published Jewish children's picture book, The Sun's Special Blessing.