When the Rain Came Down

Telling the story of a rainstorm turned flood, Helakoski creates an account of destruction, displacement, and rebuilding in this vivid picture of extreme weather’s human dimensions. Declarative prose describes the effects as “the rain came down/ and the water rose up.../ waves rolled in/ and water surged.” The water cracks walls open, while “rivers swelled/ levees breached/ and voices yelled.” Eventually, rescues occur, and the waters recede as people come together “and hope rose up....” From start to finish, driving verses conclude with the community-oriented refrain “come over! come over!”—a sentiment that suggests need and assistance amid crisis and its aftermath. Morris’s somber artwork visualizes the storm’s extremes through geometric textures, vibrant colors, and figures of varied skin tones reacting to the events. A concluding author’s note connects the story to events in southern Louisiana. Ages 3–6. (Mar.)