The author of  “Rain Dance” is Cathy Applegate and the illustrator is Dee Huxley. 

The Art Work in this book is great. Dee Huxley has really put a lot of effort into her illustrations. They’re great colours in this book and it makes me happy to see the expression on the girl’s face at the end. This book is set in Central Australia on a Cattle Farm. 

There are five characters in this book - a young girl, her dog, Mum, Dad and a baby. The Dad has gone to the bank to get a loan. A loan is some money from the bank. It was drought season and the farm was dry as a bone. The cattle are going “MOOOMOOO” because they are thirsty. The girl was sitting on the veranda with her dog and they both saw………….. You will have to wait and see what they saw!

The price of  “Rain Dance” is $21.10  The publisher is Scholastic. I give ”Rain Dance” a 10 out of 10.   

by Emily of Wamuran 

'Rain Dance' - a review by Samara

It is written by Cathy Applegate. The pictures are done by Dee Huxley.

This book is set  in the desert in Central Australia the characters are a little girl, her Mum, Dad and her little sister. They live on a farm. The book is about a family in the outback that are going to sell their farm because they hadn’t had rain for a long time. 

A big storm comes and they have rain. The girl and her dog dance in the rain and she is happy that it has rained. I thought that the pictures were done  very well, with a lot of earth colours.  The writing is also easy to read.  The message the author is trying to give is that it can be harsh in the outback. 

by Samara of Wamuran

'Rain Dance' - a review by Laura

Written by Cathy Applegate

Illustrated by Dee Huxley.

It hasn’t rained for two whole years. The earth is dry the cattle are starving.  A sign sits at the front fence reading  “FARM FOR SALE.” An all too common situation in the central parts of Australia but suddenly the smell of rain fills the air and the first pitter-patter hits the old tin roof. Soon it is pouring down.

“Rain Dance” is a book about the joy of seeing, smelling and feeling rain after such a long drought. A book where the reader can share the sheer happiness of the characters as they celebrate the arrival of rain - cool, refreshing rain.

Dee Huxley the illustrator has won many awards and has illustrated many children’s books since starting in 1976. The rich illustrations are a highlight of this heart-warming story as they beautifully show the harsh dryness of drought and the absolute joy of the characters as they experience the long awaited downpour. I would recommend “Rain Dance” for ages 7-10.

Reviewed by Laura of Moreton Downs