Lyrical poetry pairs with cheerful illustrations in this multicultural celebration of nature. Children around the world express gratitude for different kinds of weather, each saying "thank you" in their native languages. The text is just literal enough to engage the youngest readers, while also incorporating lovely metaphors and introducing more advanced vocabulary in context. While this board book is intended for infants and preschoolers, I could also see it being used as part of a poetry study for older students. A pronunciation guide to all the non-English words is unfortunately missing. Still, a "shining" addition to both home and classroom bookshelves. ( )

This book was given to me to review. I thought it was nice for young children to see illustrations around the world of different weather. It is not a book that a child would beg for every night at bedtime, but is more an beautiful book for education and diversity to talk about weather and geography. ( )

Beautiful illustrations accompany poetry that begs to be read aloud in thanksgiving for the nature that surrounds us. Nice different ways to say "thank you" in different languages are included in the text. This book can be used for American Thanksgiving, but is more broadly written to be read at any time of year.
It would be helpful to have the these "thank you" words spelled out phonetically on the pages that they are used. A glossary includes the "thank you" words with brief descriptions. ( )

The Sun is a Shine is a well-intentioned but ultimately flat gratitude primer for the youngest audience. The text and rhyme scheme are stilted, and while I appreciate the attempt at including the words for "thank you" in a variety of languages, the lack of pronunciation support renders the gesture hollow. The abundance of anthimeria, I think, will likely only confuse its intended readers. Kolesar's illustrations are pleasant, although I believe the prints are done a disservice by their digital fingerprints. I'm also puzzled by the inclusion of purple skintones in the Bangladesh spread.

All in all, this feels like a watered down homage to We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, one having lost its point of view. ( )