When the Rain Came Down

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.

“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