FICTION

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship

by Markette Sheppard (text) & illus. by Charly Palmer
S. & S./Denene Millner Bks. May 2020. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781534461772.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–Boredom is the mother of invention in this playful story. Using rhyming and near-rhyming text, Sheppard tells the story of a young boy who plans an imaginary voyage to outer space. His fond parents come to cheer on the launch, and then it’s off to bed for the little one. The verse brims with childlike enthusiasm. A piece of stereotyping is the one misstep; the child borrows “tools from Dad” and “Mom’s old dishrag,” as if housework is exclusively the mother’s domain. Thick expressionist lines and swirls in Palmer’s illustrations create a lively effect, particularly in images of the boy, who has dark skin, and his family.
VERDICT A fun choice for bedtime or library storytime, marred by a moment of unfortunate gender stereotyping.
Reviewed by Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library , May 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Noisy Christmas: My First Touch and Feel Sound Book
by Cox, Hettie
BOOKS

Five Sparkling Snowmen: A Rhyming Count Down Christmas Board Book
by Edwards, Nicola
BOOKS

A Magical Christmas: A Padded Christmas Story Book
by Freedman, Claire
BOOKS

Night Night, Sleepy Elves: A Lift-the-Flap Bedtime Christmas Book
by Wood, Selina
BOOKS

Love Is My Favorite Color
by Laden, Nina
BOOKS

Harriet’s Reflections
by Kadi, Marion
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?