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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever imagined if something other than rain or snow could fall from the sky? In Rich Follett’s The Day It Rained Popcorn, not only does something different fall, but it also draws out the bravery of some of the townspeople. This book is about a peaceful little village called Bliss, where gold is everywhere, and its residents are happy until an unexpected visitor changes everything. A frightening dragon appears out of nowhere and begins stealing all the gold. The villagers are scared, exhausted, and unsure how to stop the monster's destruction. Even the strongest knights can’t seem to defeat it, causing the people to lose hope. Just when it seems all is lost, two small children named Johnny and Jane devise an unusual plan. Will their idea work, or will it make the dragon more powerful?
I was drawn to The Day It Rained Popcorn by Rich Follett because I’ve always had a soft spot for another 'food falling from the sky' story, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and I had a feeling I’d enjoy this book just as much. I was right. The same silliness and imagination are captured here, while also delivering a message about courage and believing in yourself. It’s a slightly suspenseful, yet kid-friendly tale that balances intense moments with funny ones. In a classroom, the book could spark discussions about problem-solving, perseverance, and how kids can make a difference. Extension activities could include asking students to write their own creative stories about a silly weather event or a magical village adventure. The oil pastel-esque illustrations by Diann Landau are captivating and detailed. They add a warm, fairy-tale vibe to the dragon and village. Readers looking for whimsical picture books or classic fantasies will want to pick up this clever and entertaining read.
