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Oh-- the things that you remember about your childhood…

Isn't it funny how memories come back like little snapshots? It always makes me chuckle to think of the random things I remember about my early childhood, and this week's book compels me to tell you this story.

I remember one long, hot August day when my mom packed me up in the car to tackle a number of errands. Not fun errands either ( like going to the toy store or for Ice Cream!). Nope, this was stuff like going to get an oil change, getting my teeth cleaned at the Periodontist , and the one we hated most as kids-- going to the Supermarket. My poor mom had me in tow all day long. Yes, that's right, my poor mom. This is why-- as a child ( and it still holds true as an adult) I was (am) a talker. Mom was bombarded by my non-stop questions. She answered them humorously, but by the end of the day-- she was probably ready for some peace and quiet.

 Here's why I think that:

I remember sitting in the front of the packed grocery cart, with my legs dangling down and Barbie in hand, when a loud clap of thunder roared outside, and rain started pouring down in buckets.

Of course, I had to ask the obvious...

"Mom, where does the rain go after it stops?"

Silence.

"Mom. Hey, Mom.. Where does the rain go after it stops?"

Still nothing.

I thought I'd give it a go one more time…

"MOM, MOM! WHERE DOES THE RAIN GO AFTER IT STOPS?"

I'll never forget the look on her face… she looked at me with a tired smile, and said...

"Honey, I just don't know."

(HUH? But moms know EVERYTHING!)

Looking back on this, I am convinced my mom did know, but I had already exceeded my question quota for the day. She needed a break, and she was about to tackle the task of packing up dozens of groceries, and a 5 year-old in a car, after a long day of errands in the pouring rain.

I never asked her about it again, however Mom (and moms and dads of the world) in case you don't know… this week's book provides a perfect answer to the question every kid asks…

"Where does the rain go after it stops?"

So, head to the library or local bookstore, and check this one out.

This is a great book to brighten any rainy day. Down Comes the Rain talks about the water cycle. You know, stuff like, why it rains, what makes rain, and where all that water goes. It also tackles snow, clouds and even hailstones ( there's even a shout out to our friends in Coffeyville, Kansas -- home to the heaviest hailstone on record). What I love too, about this book, is that it uses everyday things like a boiling pot, or the shower curtain to explain the way things happen in our skies. Cool little experiments that we can all do in the comfort of our homes.

Of course, moms and dad, be advised…. this book will probably lead your kids to the next obvious question. You know, the one everyone asks sooner or later….

"Why is the sky blue?"

You might want to have your answer ready when that one comes. If you need help on that one feel free to write to me… or you could even shoot my mother a note. I am proud to say, I also remember the day when my Mom answered the blue sky question… and she nailed it.

Happy Reading ( Love you, Mom!)

Julie