When the Rain Came Down - by Leslie Helakoski (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A stunning picture book by Leslie Helakoski and illustrated by Keisha Morris about resilience, survival, and hope found in community.

When the rain came down and the water rose up . . .
thousands fled but many couldn't leave.

When the rain came down and the water rose up . . .
a community came together.

When the rain came down and the water rose up . . .
hope grew from heartache.

With lyrical text and evocative illustrations, When the Rain Came Down spreads a powerful message of resilience through community building after the tides of a natural disaster and captures the incredible strength of shared humanity even on the darkest days.

Review Quotes

"Helakoski creates an account of destruction, displacement, and rebuilding in this vivid picture of extreme weather's human dimensions." --Publishers Weekly

"Verse and visuals help readers imagine the devastation of flooding, the hope brought by the helpers, and the long path toward healing...An intimate image of community and the rising tides of climate change." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Leslie Helakoski is the author of many picture books, including Are Your Stars Like My Stars?, illustrated by Heidi Woodward Sheffield, and Woolbur, illustrated by Lee Harper. She has also written and illustrated several books, including Hoot & Honk Just Can't Sleep. She is a recipient of the 2020 Gwen Frostic Award for her work in literacy and divides her time between southern Louisiana and northern Michigan.

Keisha Morris earned her BFA in illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and has illustrated several picture books, including The Truth About Mrs. Claus, by Meena Harris, and All Aboard the Schooltrain, by Glenda Armand. When she is not drawing, she loves spending time with her wife, daughter, and cats.