Description
A young girl, her mother, and her grandma embark on a rainy day adventure in this “engrossing” story of discovery and wonder. Based on the real-life Toad Detour season in Pennsylvania.
“Gonzalez’s colorful illustrations, almost photo-realistic yet shimmering with rainy-day mystery, add excitement to an already engrossing story.” ―The New York Times
There’s nothing to do on a rainy day—or so Ally thinks. But Mama says she’s seen something amazing, so despite Ally’s misgivings, she sets out on an adventure with her mother and grandmother.
On her journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, wet cardboard, splashing cars…but also earthworms, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. And then they turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. What’s happening?
Lyrical text from Sandra Markle and stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez, New York Times best-selling illustrator of 14 Cows for America, tell a captivating, multigenerational story of a toad migration, inspired by the real-life Toad Detour in Roxborough, Pennsylvania.
Perfect for conservation, ecosystem and environment, frog and toad, and nature studies.
Reviews
“Gonzalez’s colorful illustrations, almost photo-realistic yet shimmering with rainy-day mystery, add excitement to an already engrossing story.” ―The New York Times
“A fine addition to the sense-of-wonder shelf.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Gonzalez’s illustrations lovingly capture the wet reflections of galoshes, glowing street lights, and shadows in aqueous watercolor washes, and the rows of toads leaping through the grass are awfully cute.” ―Booklist
“An appealing seasonal selection” ―School Library Journal
“Gonzalez’s pastel, pencil, and airbrush illustrations movingly highlight the softening attitudes of the girl and her grandmother as they get swept up in one of nature’s small, unexpected miracles.” ―Publishers Weekly
Awards
Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015
Green Earth Book Award (Short List, Picture Book) ―The Nature Generation, 2016
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Awards (Nominee) ―Arkansas Department of Education, 2017-2018
More Details
AR Level: 3.0
F&P: GRL M, Gr 2, Genre RF
Lexile: AD400L
Themes: Conservation, Habitat, Life Cycle
BISAC 1: JUV002120 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Frogs & Toads
BISAC 2: JUV029020 JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Weather
BISAC 3: JUV023000 JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
