My Rainy Day

This vivid yet subtle picture book from Joanne Liu captures the surprising beauty and unexpected surprises of a rainy day.

In her third story for young readers, Liu once again exhibits an uncanny ability to show the world through an innocent child’s eyes. She returns to her bold, expressive artistic style as this wordless story plays out, set during a stormy afternoon.

On his way to meet his father, Max rides past a park, a football field, and a fruit stand, each transformed by the downpour. A tumble in the street nearly interrupts his journey, but nothing can dampen his determination — or the quiet companionship of a snail that shadows him throughout.

When father and son finally reunite, the storm has passed, and together with the reader they notice small, sparkling details that only a rainy day can reveal once elapsed.

• The author’s previous books — My Museum and My City — were critically acclaimed.
• Follows Max, the little boy from Liu’s previous books, who navigates a city on a rainy day.
• Liu works in bold blocks of color and simplified forms, echoing a child’s way of seeing.
• Her graphic, design-driven approach affords a clarity and rhythm that requires no words.
• Max’s accompanying snail is not always obvious, adding a fun extra look-and-find element.

A book to be shared, explored, and returned to, it proves that even the gloomiest day can shine with unexpected wonder.