When the Rain Comes

"Although

set in faraway Sri Lanka, Fullerton's rhythmic tale holds a universal message:

that even the smallest and youngest among us can summon up the courage to face,

and overcome, the most gargantuan challenges."--Kirkus ? Starred Review

It

is time to plant the rice crop in Malini's Sri Lankan community, and the little

girl is both excited and nervous to help for the first time. What if she does

it wrong? Will she be responsible if the crop fails? When the oxcart rumbles in

loaded with seedlings, she reluctantly agrees to watch the big, imposing animal

while the driver takes a break. Suddenly, the skies go dark with monsoon rain.

A flash flood pours down the road, separating Malini from the driver and her

family. They are shouting for her to run for higher ground, but what about the

rice? Summoning courage she never dreamed she possessed, Malini resolves to

save ox, cart, and seedlings, no matter what it takes.

Award-winning

author Alma Fullerton tells Malini's story in expressive free verse that

vibrates with emotion and energy. The moods of Sri Lanka's rainy season come

alive as Kim La Fave, illustrator of the award-winning Shin Chi's Canoe, uses a fresh style that is both contemporary and

impressionistic to depict the courage of one little girl facing the power of a

monsoon.

"A powerful portrait of a child's bravery and perseverance."--The

Horn Book Magazine



"La Fave's richly colored illustrations dramatically

and effectively convey the contrast between the calm, sunny day and the

intensity of the storm."--School Library Journal