May I Come In? By Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Jennie PohA simple story with vivid whimsical artwork that touches on correct grammar (may I vs can I—flashbacks anyone?), kindness and that it’s ok to be scared. My favorite part is the description of the rain – swish swish plish! This captures the sound and experience of the dark months here in Seattle for sure. The author gives enough verse to feel the story but leaves space for imagination and inquiry based on the illustrations. The several times we have read already have been different. This makes this story flexible to fit a range of readers from young toddler to early readers. I did find it hard to not break into ‘how much wood could a woodchuck chuck…. ” though when raccoon stopped by his home.

I received a copy of this book to review from Sleeping Bear Press but I was not financially compensated, nor required to say something positive, in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience and observations while reading this book.