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Have you heard the term book-based activities? It’s pretty common in kid blogger circles. It’s a simple concept, read a book and then do an activity that is related to what you read. It is a great way to bring stories to life for kids. So here are 12 books about rain and rainbows for preschoolers and lots activities to take the fun beyond the page.

I have separated the books out by a general age range, but do not feel like they are set in stone guidelines. Most books could easily fall into more than one category.

Books About Rain and Rainbows for Toddlers

These books are board books or shorter picture books. I classify these as more for toddlers because toddlers have a shorter attention span, but if you have a toddler, I don’t think I need to tell you that.

The Mole Sisters and the Rainy Day written and illustrated by Roslyn Schwartz – A sweet story about two sisters who make due with the rain that interrupts their lovely day.

Rain, Rain, Go Away! by Caroline Jayne Church – A sturdy board book that is short enough for babies, too.

Rain Feet by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Rhonda Mitchell – A short sweet story about the fun of splashing through rain puddles.

The Way the Storm Stops by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger – This is a longer book, but the onomatopoeia makes it a fun one for toddlers.

Books About Rain and Rainbows for Preschoolers

These books may have more words on each page and are not board books.

Split! Splat! by Amy Gibson, illustrated by Steve Björkman – Another book full of onomatopoeia, this is a lively story about a made-up song about rain, mud, and sun.

Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by G. Brian Karas – Apparently books about rain lend themselves quite naturally to onomatopoeia, this is another one. This is a book about rain in the city, where everyone takes cover underground.

Over the Rainbow paintings by Eric Puybaret – Whimsical paintings tell the story of the infamous song.

Raindrop Plop! by Wendy Cheyenne Lewison, illustrated by Pam Paparone – A great counting book that counts one to ten and then back to one.

Waiting Out the Storm by JoAnn Early Macken, illustrated by Susan Gaber – A sweet read about a mama soothing the nerves of her daughter frightened by the coming storm.

Rain by Manya Stojic – A fun animal story about rain in the wild.

The Rainy Day by Anna Melbourne and Sarah Gill – This Usborne book is a brightly colored, informational read.

Who Likes Rain? by Wong Herbert Yee – A cute adventure exploring who likes rain and who doesn’t, ending with a big puddle to splash in.

The Big Storm: A Very Soggy Counting Book by Nancy Tafuri – Have fun counting all the critters that squeeze into the hill hollow and then discover a BIG surprise.

Books About Rain and Rainbows for Elementary Aged Children

These picture books about rain and rainbows are longer in nature.

It’s Raining! by Gail Gibbons – Classically Gail Gibbons, with bright illustrations and just enough words to explain the concept.

Mushroom in the Rain by Mirra Ginsburg, pictures by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey – Just how many animals can fit under that tiny mushroom? More than you think!

Where Does the Kitty Go in the Rain? by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brigette Barrager – Explores what different kinds of animals do when it rains with sweet pictures and easy to understand text.

The Searcher and Old Tree by David McPhail – The Searcher is completely unaware of the storm that rages while he sleeps in Old Tree.

A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats – Peter braves a storm to mail the special invitation to his birthday party, but the surprise is almost ruined. Oh no!

The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell, illustrated by Eric Velasquez – Jazmin is excited for the parade, but the rain ruins the fun. Then Jazmin decides to not let a bit of rain ruin her parade!

Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Jon J. Muth – Tess, her Mamma, and their friends await the cool rain in the scorching heat. When it comes, it is a celebration by all.

A Rainy Day by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Cathy Johnson – More informational than story-like, but the illustrations are great.

The Rainbow Mystery by Jennifer Dussling, illustrated by Barry Gott – Solve the scientific mystery with the characters.

Curious George Discovers the Rainbow adaptation by Amy E. Cherrix, teleplay written by Michael Maurer – This one has activities throughout the book, there is quite a lot of information in this one.

Rain and Rainbow Book & Activity Pairings

These posts are specific books paired with an activity.

• Little Raindrop Storytelling Basket from Adventures of Adam
• End of the Rainbow Fruit Salad from Growing Book By Book
• The Rainbow and You from Planey Smarty Pants

Rain and Rainbow Activities & Crafts

These are activities and crafts that are not attached to a specific book, but you can pair them with any book you see fit.

• Rainbow Summer Lantern from Red Ted Art
• Bubble Rainbow Science from Preschool Powol Packets
• Rainbow Do-A-Dot Worksheets from Gift of Curiosity
• Create a Rainbow in a Jar from Edventures With Kids
• 5 Minute Rainbow Art from Handmade Kids Art
• Rainbow Dancing Rings from Buggy and Buddy
• Rainbow Sensory Bin from 3 Princesses and 1 Dude!
• Rain Cloud Ribbons from Family Education
• Thunderstorm Art from Buggy and Buddy
• Rainy Day Umbrella Craft from In the Playroom
• Build a Working Hygrometer from Planet Smarty Pants
• April Showers Counting Activities for Preschool from Miniature Masterminds
• Make a Spring Rain Cloud from Little Bins for Little Hands
• Rainy Day Window Art from Munchkins and Moms
• Rainy Day Umbrella Craft from Teaching Mama

So there you have it, 12 books about rain and rainbows and a list of ideas for activities to do after you read the book. If you have any other book recommendations or craft/activity ideas, please share them below!