Author/Illustrator: Felicia Bond
Publisher: Laura Geringer Books, 2002
Age Level: 4-6yrs
Themes: valentines, rain, imagination, friendship
Opening: One day it started raining hearts. and Cornelia Augusta caught one.
Summary: (from the publisher) Originally published in 1983 as Four Valentines in a Rainstorm, The Day It Rained Hearts follows young Cornelia Augusta as she makes creative use of a most unusual downpour. Along with the name change, Bond’s offering has also been enlarged, adding a generous white frame around sweet and simple vignettes of Cornelia fashioning a quartet of handcrafted Valentine’s Day cards; includes a heart-themed sticker sheet.
What I think: This is my favorite Valentine’s Day related book. It’s simple story is heartwarming and so much fun I wish it would happen to me! Personally, I prefer the former title, and the lack of valentines in the tree in the last illo – the original illustration ‘leaves’ you free to imagine!
Resources/Activities: What else – make your own Valentine’s Day Cards! Talk about what each recipient likes and fashion the cards to suit; Stories about friends and valentines, songs and finger plays.
For more PPBF picks, go to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog – HERE
julie rowan-zoch 
What a sweet book, and appropriate with Valentines just around the corner. Hubby and I will be with friends on holiday on Valentines Day…mmm not sure what we will do. Maybe make Valentine Cards!
LikeLike
Yes – what a lovely idea! And something chocolate wouldn’t hurt, eh?
LikeLike
I’ve never seen this book, even though it’s been around for a while! If it’s your favorite Valentine’s Day book, I will certainly have to give it a read! Thanks for sharing, and love the activity 🙂
LikeLike
I hope it warms your heart too!
LikeLike
This book is ADORABLE! What a precious choice. Gotta read it. I love the former title too, Julie. It’s a feel good title. A lot of times I pick up a book because of the title. That one would make me pick the book up. Happy weekend. I must get back to doing PPBF. I truly miss it. (Love that activity!)
LikeLike
Funny, how we deal with PBs all the time, but sharing on Fridays is still special!
LikeLike
What a sweet book, Julie…and so appropriate for Valentine’s Day! Guess who forgot?????
LikeLike
I’d have recommended this one regardless of the upcoming holiday – and I’d read it any time of year!
LikeLike
Wonderful – I would like to use this book next week in my CSU Creative Movement Teaching Class as a springboard for a movement lesson. We are working on generating lessons for kids from the written word as well as visual art! And our class meets on Valentine’s Day! Thanks!!
LikeLike
Yeah! Please tell what you do with it (pictures?) and how it evolves! Would love to know!
LikeLike
I have that original cover too Julie – it was a Scholastic book club flier choice for my DD one year and we read it over and over!
Sweet choice for a sweet day.
LikeLike
Definitely gives you the “ahh” feeling, doesn’t it?
LikeLike
I enjoy your picks. There is always so much balance in the covers and illustrations. I’ve noticed that as I’ve read your reviews each week. This is a great book Valentines Day and kids will have fun using their imaginations!
LikeLike
Thanks, Pat. Funny what we are drawn to unconsciously that others see plainly!
LikeLike
This book looks adorable … and I find it so intriguing that a book got a name-change … makes me wonder. Awesome pick!
LikeLike
Or a cover change years later: check out this post: https://julierowanzoch.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/sir-pbj-charming-opal/
LikeLike
This looks sweet – and love the springboard into crafts! I just made 10 handmade valentine’s-I went to Pinterest for some ideas.
LikeLike
Would love to see your efforts Laura!
LikeLike
this looks like a perfect book to read while kids munch on pink-frosted heart cookies… I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet!
LikeLike
Hi Sue – or even to hear, then MAKE cookies!
LikeLike
I haven’t read either version-so I’d best get on it. I do love Felicia Bond’s simple vibrant artwork.
LikeLike
Yes, I have only read a couple of her books – I need to look for more.
LikeLike
Wow! I’m amazed at all the Valentine’s Day books that are out there! How do you choose?! This one looks very cute. I appreciate that you shared both versions! I’ll have to check them out. I wonder if it thunders when it rains hearts?
LikeLike
I read all that I could in the last month and came back to this favorite! Mind you, I read between 75-100 a wk, and there aren’t that many, at least at my library. The Christmas selection was quite another task!
LikeLike
BOTH covers are great! I want to read this!
LikeLike