Yolen's charming, universal tale about keeping boredom at bay on a rainy day is paired with richly detailed illustrations by Halperin that depict a brother and sister creating a house from blankets and cushions. Full color.

"Gentle rhythms give Yolen's rainy-day tale the feel of a narrative poem. 'It's raining,' begins Alison Isabelle. 'I watch the drops slide down the window,/ leaving trails for my fingers to follow.' Stuck inside, big sister and little brother struggle with boredom. They don't want to play checkers, pretend school or read; instead, they bicker — until Davey says, 'I know.... Let's play Soft House.' Alison Isabelle, who created the game, agrees. They rearrange furniture and cushions, and spread blankets on top, thus creating a cozy fort. In what has become her signature composition, Halperin (Sophie and Rose) arranges inset boxes that chronicle steps to constructing the house or events within it (reading, flashlight games, blocks and checkers). Frames border full-bleed images that incorporate a multitude of patterns on quilts, rugs and clothing. The story provides an authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics ranging from pressure to gain one's way to thoughtful and caring once the two make peace, and ultimately offers a visual and lyrical ode to the value of creative, collaborative play. Ages 4-7." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Jane Yolen's charming, universal tale about keeping boredom at bay on a rainy day is paired with richly detailed illustrations by Wendy Anderson Halperin.

It's raining, and Davey and Alison Isabelle are bored. They don't want to play checkers. They don't want to play school. They don't want to read books. And they're starting to get on each other's nerves. I know, says Davey brightly. Let's play Soft House. Together, after some serious scrounging and with the supervision of Mr. Cat, the siblings prove that a wall of cushions, an awning of blankets, a strategically placed flash-light, and a plateful of cookies can create the perfect setting for letting their imaginations soar.