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One morning nine-year-old Sky takes Cane Street to get to school quickly so she can pick up her sister's schoolwork. Sky's sister, Ocean, is home sick, and Sky takes the shortcut to get to school early. However, Sky walks in the wrong direction and is in despair that she may be lost. She encounters an old man who identifies himself as Old Man Rain. Known for helping lost children, Old Man Rain puts her at ease with a smile. After Old Man Rain helps Sky find her way, he tells her, "Just say my name when it rains, and I will come to you, Sky." She soon discovers that there is more to the encounter than she could ever imagine and that Old Man Rain holds many secrets to the sisters' past. He comes to Sky and Ocean as a young boy and tells them of their biological parents, who Eviler had killed so he could steal their powers. Now, Sky learns that she possesses special powers bestowed on her by her father before his death and that her adoptive parents are guardian angels made from the essence of her birth parents. It is time for Sky to fulfill her destiny and return to her home planet, Omohafe. In the form of the young boy named June, Old Man Rain shows her how to use her powers to return to Omohafe.
In this unique children's book, young readers are given a taste of fantasy. The book offers ample opportunity for an in-depth discussion with children. The school scene concentrates on weather, and concepts such as condensation can be taught to even very young readers. Children will be intrigued by Sky's powers which are tied to her emotions. "Well, Sky does not know this, but she can move the sky with her emotions, and move people from anywhere in the universe." Concepts such as caring for others, getting to know new people, and sharing can also be explored while reading. The book is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the fantasy genre with Sky's backstory of her parents' death by the hand of Eviler and her inheritance of her father's powers. Children may be prompted to explore their own creativity by sharing thoughts on what may happen when Sky and Ocean are magically transported to their home planet. "Now it is time for you to use your power to help out Omohafe."
The book lends itself to discussions of what is real and what is fantasy which many children will find entertaining. Hand weaves a delightful tale in this children's book. Parents will find much to explore with their young children as they discuss Old Man Rain and the story of Sky and her sister, Ocean. This beautifully illustrated work offers an interesting plot, relatable characters, and a cliff-hanger ending, allowing children to use their own creativity as they guess what may lie in store for the two sisters. Filled with mystery and magic, this is one that kids will want to read again and again.