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Rain
Rain
Dec 1, 2025 9:31 AM

Author:Paul May

Rain

'They're not going to like me whatever I do . . .'

Rain has always lived on the road with her artist mum, Max, in their colourful old bus. She's never been that bothered about fitting in, or about finding the dad she's never known. All that changes when their bus breaks down, they put down roots for the first time - and Rain gets to go to school at last! But Rain hadn't reckoned on having to deal with the way kids at school treat anyone who is different. Will her friendship with fellow outsider Daniel be enough to help her stick at it?

Reviews

This interesting book is about growing up and learning to live with being an outsider. It will appeal to teenagers who want something a little different

—— Nicola Davies , The School Librarian

A very interesting and unusual storyline

—— Teen Titles

An exhilarating, emotive and at times exhausting read, which I couldn't put down

—— TES

A simply, but beautifully written story about a loving family . . . There is enough in the book for all teenagers to engage with, whether they have come into contact with mental illness or not

—— Write Away!

Suzuma handles the onset of manic depression with real skill and the music dimension with expertise

—— Niall MacMonagle , The Irish Times

A touching story.

—— Teen Titles

This is a fast-paced short chapter book (perhaps as you would expect from a book about racing!) but it pauses in just the right places for the laughs.

—— The Literacy Tree

To get children's attention when it comes to reading, you have to have engaging characters - and situations... and Dixie O'Day has both in spades. Aimed at children who have just gained the confidence to read alone, this charming and utterly brilliant story, which kicks off a new series, is also perfect for sharing. The illustrations suck you in, the story will have you smiling, then laughing... Absolutely brilliant!

—— Books Monthly website

The book has a nostalgic feel, which gives the impression that it is a classic already, with simple red, white and black illustrations, and there are some added bonuses in the form of a detailed map prior to the story illustrating the adventure, and a quiz which will support any young reader to dip back into the text to find the textual references. This is a fast-paced short chapter book but it pauses in just the right places for the laughs. Ages 5-9.

—— http://theliteracytree.co.uk/august-literature-review/

Clara Vulliamy’s illustrations are filled with a nostalgic charm that perfectly complements her mother’s writing.The characters are brilliantly created, with my favourite being the duo’s neighbour and nemesis, Lou Ella. Adults can marvel at the overall design of the book and chuckle along to the pop-culture references scattered throughout. With activities at the back and an introduction to the characters at the front, this delightful book is also so much more than just a story. With such close attention to creating something to treasure, by one of England’s own treasures when it comes to younger fiction, I feel I can easily make the claim that Dixie O’Day will still be found on shelves in 2043 (gosh that seems such a long way away).

—— NightLightBooks.com

Canine capers in a beautifully designed package from a mother-and-daughter author/artist team.

—— Korky Paul , S Magazine, Sunday Express
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