Sometimes It Rains created by Sharon Draper and illustrated by Tom Godfrey
SUMMARY:
Sometimes it Rains is a story about a cat named Leeloo who deals with sadness and loss. Leeloo talks about how she feels after each setback and discusses a different coping skill.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharon Draper is a psychologist with a private practice outside of Sydney, Australia. She has extensive experience working with children and has written two books focused on emotions. Her first book, Stuck in the Mud, also features Leeloo and teaches children about anxiety. You can learn more about her here or check out her YouTube channel here.
WHAT WE LOVE:
This book is beautifully illustrated and is a great conversation tool. Leeloo asks the readers questions that they can talk through with their therapist or caregiver as they work through the book. I really liked the way that this story models how kids can talk about emotions. They learn language through simple scenarios to help them communicate what they are feeling.
My favorite part of this book was the way that coping skills were woven into the story. After describing each emotion, Leeloo uses a different strategy to help then explains why it works. At the end of the book, is a page that you can photograph or copy to help kids remember what they learned.
WHAT WE DIDN’T:
Throughout the book, LeeLoo deals with varies hurts that are common among children. I was a bit concerned though that there was a small section on thinking that it was her fault that her parents separated. She talks to her aunt who reminds her that it isn’t her fault. That message is good but I’m concerned that parents who are still together would be wary of it bringing up difficult questions and that the topic needs more space when it is addressed for children of divorced parents. I would definitely still recommend Sometimes it Rains but keep that piece in mind.
CLINICAL USE:
Sometimes it Rains is an excellent introduction to emotions for kids. It would be great for use in therapy with kids or to send home with parents. It is written in an interactive manner, the cat asks questions of the reader, so this would be a wonderful conversation starter.
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Many therapists enjoy recommending books to their clients to supplement the work they are doing together. We also use books to help ourselves grow as people and practitioners. Remember though that books are never a replacement for real human connection or for therapy when it’s needed. If you find yourself needing a therapist, a great place to start is Psychology Today. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
