Most of us get sad or gloomy or restless when clouds cover the sky and it becomes a rainy day. Ally and her grandmother feel this way until Ally's mother returns home and says she has something to show them. It is nearly nighttime as the three of them rush down the wet city streets. Ally's mother says: "Slow down, you two! There are lots of interesting things to see along the way," such as all the colorful umbrellas and the colors swirling in the puddle water.

Taking her advice, Ally sees the beauty of drops of water falling from awnings and spots an earthworm inching its way across the sidewalk. Then Ally's mother ushers them into a street the police have blocked off with signs that say TOAD DETOUR.

A large number of toads are crossing the street and heading for the pond to mate and lay eggs. These creatures need help, and Ally joins with others in carrying them across the street. Ally and her grandmother thank her mother for taking them on this adventure which has made them feel very good inside about helping the toads.

Writer Sandra Markle and illustrator Thomas Gonzalez have done a marvelous job conveying the magic of making a rainy day into something memorable. This children's picture book is aimed at kids from ages 4 to 8 and offers a salute to the spiritual practices of wonder and kindness in the city.