Rainy Day Games: It's Raining, It's Pouring by Peter, Paul, and Mary

IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING.
THE OLD MAN IS SNORING.

HE WENT TO BED AND HE BUMPED HIS HEAD
AND HE COULDN'T GET UP IN THE MORNING.

Peter, Paul, and Mary's timeless performance of this old nursery rhyme and folk song, It's Raining, It's Pouring (Imagine Books, 2012), has long been a staple of their concerts, a sing-along audience participation song and a favorite of children who were there to join in.

The talented artist Christine Davenier has combined talents with co-writer Peter Yarrow to turn this popular song about rainy weather into a lively picture book which will introduce current children to this joyful musical experience. Davenier's illustrations are light-hearted, showing a family of kids making the best of a summer day inside when the rain won't go away--at least not right away. The kids play hide-and-seek, taking advantage of the rambling old two-story farmhouse and its many cubbyholes and cabinet hiding places, even hiding under the bed where Gramps is recovering and enjoying being included in the fun.

"85, 90, 95, 100!
HERE WE COME, READY OR NOT!"

The lyrics of the famous trio's song are woven into the game, along with other familiar rhymes, while women downstairs peel apples for a dinnertime pie and the kids enthusiastically pursue their game. Things take a happy turn when the sun suddenly breaks through the scattering clouds and the indoor game is quickly concluded.

"OLLY, OLLY, IN FREE!"

Davenier's art utilizes a pastel palette and a light touch of watercolors which make the rainy day seem sunny on its own, and an included Peter, Paul, and Mary CD offers musical accompaniment for the reading or a chance for family members of all ages, even grandpa, to be part of the happy hootenanny in her new It's Raining, It's Pouring.