ReadItDaddy's Second Picture Book of the Week - Week Ending 1st June 2018: "The Rhythm of the Rain" by Grahame Baker-Smith (Templar Publishing)

Our second Picture Book of the week is just so jaw-droppingly beautiful that we couldn't wait to dive in...time for our favourite kind of weather...
Grahame Baker-Smith is one of those author-illustrators who, you'd swear, has made some sort of pact with the devil.

One of the most talented people working in children's publishing, Grahame's books are always hotly anticipated at ReadItDaddy Towers, and we never quite know what to expect (in a good way).

Thus, when "The Rhythm of the Rain" arrived, with its glorious and instantly engaging cover, we knew it was something really special.

And special it is, as Grahame takes us on a whirlwind tour of the world through a child's eyes, a grand adventure marvelling at all the things our beautiful planet has to offer (not just rainy weather, thankfully!)

As I slept, I dreamed of deep blue oceans..

Each page spread opens up on an amazing vista, with gorgeous restful prose to accompany Grahame's truly incredible paintings.

Following the course of water, from cloud to land to sea

As we're guided gently through the course of water as it falls as rain, flows as rivers, tumbles as waterfalls and arrives at the deep blue ocean, there are just so many mesmerising moments in this book that you have to dive straight back in for a second read as soon as you've finished the first.

Grahame's skill, whether he's retelling classic fairy tales in gorgeous books like "Winter's Child" or dealing with difficult subjects in stories like "Fa(r)ther", his skill as a storyteller and illustrator are unparalleled.

A treat for every sense, in every sense of the word. Truly glorious.

C's best bit: Following the course of water down the steep mountains.

Daddy's favourite bit: Mesmerising, beautiful, affecting. So gloriously describing something we all too often take for granted. This is legendary.

"The Rhythm of the Rain" by Grahame Baker-Smith is out now, published by Templar (kindly supplied for review).