The sound of the raindrops tapping on the windows, the cozy atmosphere indoors, and the feeling of being wrapped up in a warm blanket create the perfect setting for diving into a good read. Rainy days and books are a perfect match, offering kids a chance to explore, dream, and grow- all while staying warm indoors. Here are some of our favorite readers to mark a special rainy day.

 

Rain, Rain Go Away:

1. Too Much Rain

By Fran Manushkin
(Gr. K-2)

One day it rains so much that Katie Woo and her family have to take shelter at the high school gym. Katie feels strange sleeping in the gym, and she is worried about her house. Will it ever stop raining?

 

 

 

2. Muddy Mess

By Melinda Melton Crow
(Gr. PreK-1)

Lots of rain brings bad luck. See which truck ends up stuck!

 

 

 

 

3. I See Spring

By Charles Ghigna
(Gr. PreK)

Celebrate the season of spring with raindrops, robins, bluebells, and butterflies! In Charles Ghigna’s I See Spring, colorful illustrations are matched with rhyming, easy-to-read text that explores rain falling, flowers blooming, and other springtime wonders.

 

Growing Things:

4. Yasmin the Gardner

By Saadia Faruqi
(Gr. K-2)

It's spring! Yasmin and her baba are excited to plant their garden, and Yasmin chooses a flower seedling. She gives it plenty of sun, water, and good soil . . . so why is it wilting? Watching Nani sit in the sun gives Yasmin a bright idea and she knows just what her little plant needs.

 

 

 

5. Grow Your Own Tomatoes

By Lisa J Amstutz
(Gr. K-3)

Readers will love biting into a juicy tomato they’ve grown themselves! This book gives readers all the information they need to grow their own tomatoes. A recipe for salsa and a simple explanation of how plants grow extend the reader’s learning.

 

 

6. Cappy Herds the Aphid Invasion

By Benjamin Harper
(Gr. 2-5)

The cherry tomato forest is ready to harvest! As Cappy and her two friends get to work, they hear a rumble. It’s an aphid invasion! The insects start chowing down, ignoring the Tiny Folk’s efforts to shoo them away. So, Cappy decides to seek assistance from the nearby ants. The only problem? The trio has never once talked to their neighbors! Can Cappy convince the ant queen to lend a helping hand and herd the hungry insects off their plants? Young readers will have big fun diving into this super-cute Tales of the Tiny Folk graphic novel, featuring manga-inspired art and itty-bitty creatures who use creativity to thrive in a world that’s not quite their size.

 

Spring Into Action:

7. Lacrosse Clash

By Jake Maddox
(Gr. 3-6)

Eighth-grader Jared Shotpouch loved lacrosse—until his grandmother moved them off the reservation. Now he’s at a new school and on a new team where nothing feels right. The other kids tease Jared about everything from his last name to his long, braided hair—and the worst bullies are his own teammates. Can Jared prove his skills on the field and teach his teammates.

 

 

8. Baseball Records Smashed!

Bruce Berglund
(Gr. 4-6)

In baseball, long games are marked by spectacular moments—like Nolan Ryan beating Sandy Koufax’s no-hitter record or Ichiro Suzuki smashing George Sisler’s record number of hits in a season. In this Sports Illustrated Kids book, young readers can experience record-breaking plays in baseball. Fast-paced and fact-filled, this collection of record smashers will delight sports fans with thrilling feats in baseball history.

 

 

9. Track and Field Trick

By Jake Maddox
(Gr. 4-6)

The Sally Ride track and field team’s season is off to a rocky start thanks to some suspicious activity. Missing field equipment, stolen uniforms, and finally blackmail notes to the assistant coach, Josh, make it clear: someone wants Coach Josh out of the way. But why? Shot put thrower Sena is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. But soon the culprit frames Sena herself! Will Sena add up the clues in time to save her season and Coach Josh’s job?

 

 

Adventures on the High Seas:

10. Attack of the Zombie Mermaids

By Michael Anthony Steele
(Gr. K-2)

Captain Banana Beard thinks that finding Neptune's Trident will bring him great fortune. But the treasure carries a curse! What will the Nearly Fearless Monkey Pirates do when they come face to face with zombie mermaids? Perfect for libraries, this pirate adventure features a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.

 

 

11. Treasure Island: A Graphic Novel

By Robert Lewis Stevenson
(Gr. 5-9)

Jim Hawkins discovers an old treasure map and sets out on a harrowing voyage to a faraway island, and runs into the violent sea along with many dangerous men seeking the same treasure.  Written in graphic-novel format.

 

 

 

12. Can You Spot Blackbeard's Treasure?

By Thomas Kingsley
(Gr. 4-6)

When Spanish gold is found on the North Carolina coast, your mind begins to race. Through your studies, you know that the infamous pirate Blackbeard was active in that area in the 1700s. Could this be the first clue to finding his long-lost treasure? It’s up to YOU to find out! With dozens of choices and clues to follow, which path will YOU choose to dig up the riches left behind by the dreaded pirate Blackbeard?

 

 

Fantastical Worlds:

13. Lord of the Hunt

By Gina Kammer
(Gr. 3-5)

Bry Forge and his fire drake, Scorch, are the best Hoard Hunt players in the Rockridge Mountains. In fact, they’re so good that they’re invited to join the team at the International School of Dragon Trainers. However, Bry is the new kid, and nobody seems to respect him. During one game, Bry captures a game-winning hoard of gems that was found by a teammate. Unfortunately, he takes the credit for the win himself. Soon he becomes overconfident and starts taking risks in the arena that hurt his team. Will Bry learn to give credit where it’s due, and help his team instead of seeking glory for himself?
(Explore the full series)

 

 

14. The Fearless Travelers' Guide to Wicked Places

By Peter Begler
(Gr. 4-8)

Twelve-year-old Nell Perkins knows there is magic at work that she can’t yet understand. Her mother has been taken by witches and turned into a bird. Nell must journey to get her mother back, even if it takes her deep into the Wicked Places — the frightening realm where Nightmares resides. There she must break the spell and stop the witches from turning our world into a living nightmare.

 

 

15. Bewitched in Oz

By Laura J. Burns
(Gr. 4-8)

Even though sorcery is forbidden in Oz, Zerie Greenapple is determined to use her magic. When the Flying Monkeys find Zerie and her friends using magic, one of their gang is captured. Three friends go on the run through the wild landscapes of Oz to try and find Glinda the Good, who they hope will save them from the evil Princess Ozma. But will magic be enough to lead these three friends to safety? This exciting tale of adventure and fantasy will surround readers in a world of complexity, where the truth is always shifting and the integrity of friendship is constantly questioned.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Making Rainy Day Reading Extra Special:

• Create a cozy reading nook with pillows, blankets, and soft lighting.
• Add a snack or drink, like cookies or hot chocolate, to make the experience even more enjoyable.
• Encourage kids to draw or write about the story afterward to extend the fun.