Big Rain Coming

A group of Aboriginal people and their dogs wait for rain in their remote Northern Territory community during a hot dry season. Elder Old Stephen watches the clouds each day and predicts when the rain will arrive. The story follows the community's daily activities as they cope with the building heat and anticipate the coming storm. Bronwyn Bancroft's artwork depicts the Australian landscape and weather conditions through Aboriginal artistic styles and techniques. Through its simple narrative structure, this picture book captures the rhythms of life in Australia's Top End and the significance of weather patterns to Indigenous communities. The text and illustrations work together to convey both the physical sensations of heat and the shared human experience of waiting.

Readers appreciate how the book captures the anticipation of an approaching storm in the Australian outback. Parents and teachers note it helps children understand weather patterns and Aboriginal culture through its accessible storytelling. Likes: - Bronwyn Bancroft's artwork depicting the stark outback landscape - Simple repetitive text that engages young listeners - Authentic portrayal of waiting for rain in a hot climate - Educational value for teaching weather concepts Dislikes: - Some find the pacing too slow - A few readers mention their children lost interest before the conclusion Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (236 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) Review quotes: "Perfect for teaching weather vocabulary to young students" - Teacher review on Amazon "The illustrations tell as much of the story as the words" - Parent review on Goodreads "My outback students really connect with this story" - Australian teacher on Reading Time

Why the Sky Is Far Away by Mary-Joan Gerson A Nigerian folktale depicts a sky filled with food that feeds a village during times of hunger until human actions change everything.

The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi A grandmother shares the origin story of her African village's unique housing tradition through memories of a volcanic eruption.

Rain School by James Rumford Students in Chad build their own school from mud each year before the rainy season washes it away.

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom A young boy encounters a snake in a eucalyptus tree, leading to a chain of events in the Australian outback.

All Through the Year by Jane Godwin The seasonal changes in the Australian landscape unfold through the perspective of a child in the bush.

🌧️ Author Katrina Germein worked as a teacher in an Aboriginal community in Australia's Northern Territory, where she was inspired to write this story based on her experiences. 🌏 The book authentically portrays life in an Australian Aboriginal community during the build-up to the wet season, known locally as "the big wet." 🎨 Illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft is a proud Bundjalung woman and one of Australia's leading Indigenous artists, bringing authentic Aboriginal art styles to the book's visuals. ⏳ The story spans five days of waiting for rain, reflecting the real anticipation felt by communities in Australia's Top End during the dry season. 🦘 The book features native Australian animals like goannas and dingoes, alongside domestic animals like dogs and chickens, painting a true picture of daily life in remote Aboriginal communities.