A children's adventure book about friendship, exploration, and helping others
- Little Joe and the Big Rain
- Little Joe and the Big City
- Little Joe and the Big Snow
Size: 8.50 x 8.50 in
Pages: 28
Size: 8.50 x 8.50 in
Pages: 28
Pages: 27
When Little Joe’s froggy friend Hopper invites him over for a nice bowl of fly soup, they embark on Little Joe’s first-ever adventure through the wilderness! There, he’ll meet lots of woodland creatures and even make a surprising friend. But will a sudden rainstorm put a damper on their plans, or will it only make exploring the forest even more fun?
This amusing animal story will delight young readers of all ages! It can teach children clever problem-solving, show how small acts of kindness can help you make unexpected friends, and instill in them the priceless treasure of curiosity. Entertaining for both kids and parents, it makes a fantastic bedtime story and a fun tale for elementary schoolers venturing into longer picture books.
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Little Joe scampered over, his face covered with bark and mulch. “My name is Little Joe.” Little Joe shook some of the mess off his head. “That is Hopper; he is a frog!” Hopper groaned; he did not like telling strange animals his name, especially animals that had just nearly eaten him.
Anthony Avina on Author Anthony Avina wrote:The book’s gentle teachings on diversity and friendship are seamlessly integrated into the plot. The characters’ differences are highlighted in a way that celebrates uniqueness rather than division. This thoughtful approach helps young readers appreciate and embrace diversity naturally.
Little Joe and the Big Rain, by Mike Darcy, is a delightful read that offers more than just an adventure; it’s a journey into understanding and embracing diversity. The story’s engaging characters, smooth narrative, and gentle yet profound lessons make it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. It’s particularly well-suited for young readers who are just beginning to navigate the complexities of friendships and differences. This book is sure to encourage children to look beyond the surface and discover the friend in everyone they meet.
Wajeeha Bashir on Book Nerdection wrote:This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the illustrations instantly draws the reader in. The imagery instantly will resonate with young readers who love shows like Bluey, as the fun, cartoonish nature of the illustrations brings both fun and excitement to bring the reader into the narrative.
Rating: 10/10
Antoinette Wessels on Reader's Favorite wrote:Little Joe and the Big Rain is a delightful book that teaches children important lessons about empathy and creative problem-solving. Through Joe’s journey, kids learn that even in difficult situations, kindness, empathy, and quick thinking can lead to new friendships and solutions.
I recommend this charming book as a must-read for young children. It offers an entertaining story and valuable life lessons in a beautifully illustrated package, which kids will love and parents will cherish!
Age Appropriation for Little Joe & the Big Rain:
Toddlers & up.
Outstanding Creator on Outstanding Creator wrote:Little Joe and the Big Rain is an enchanting story that will excite any child who reads it. Mike Darcy's story perfectly narrates a little dog's adventures and Tincho Schmidt’s illustrations bring the story together perfectly. The importance of communication is brought to the young reader's attention in a lovely way. Children will learn the importance of it while enjoying the adventures in which Little Joe finds himself. But more than that, the story also emphasizes the role of friendship in Little Joe's adventures, showing how mutual support and cooperation can lead to success. I loved reading about this little dog. Animals are unforgettable characters in children’s books, and I believe every child who reads about Little Joe will grow as a person.
Kameron Brook on Reedsy Discovery wrote:Score: 92/100 (9.2 out of 10)
Kids will love him.
Little Joe has an innocence and nativity about him that's infectious. In contrast, Hopper is more grounded, realistic, and mature. That actually helps to show a contrast between the two characters. At the same time, Hopper is less mobile than Little Joe, probably because of his older age. So, Hopper is sometimes forced to rely on Little Joe to get him from place to place. It kinda reminded us of Traveling Companions by Tuula Pere in which the little boy and the old man rode on the back of the blind blacksmith, guiding him. It's always nice to see complementary relationships and to see characters acting as a team!
Kristine L on Pages & Paws wrote:Loved it! 😍
An action-packed children's book that teaches the power of friendship through entertaining text and vibrant, humorous illustrations.
This Little Joe is a sweet and adventurous little pup. He lives with his hooman Anne and her fam in a farmhouse at the end of a long country road in this delightful new children’s book by Mike Darcy. I’ll let Mom fill ya in: