Emma is sad because it has been raining for days and now the rain has ruined her chances of getting the perfect birthday present for her best friend, Ruby. Emma wakes up on Saturday, her best friend’s birthday, with the hopes of bringing her a special best friend’s gift all wrapped up in ribbons, but the steady rain has dampened her spirits. As Mom and Emma go about their day stopping in at the bank and the market, an unforeseen problem arises making it impossible to get to the bookstore in time to purchase the special birthday gift. Emma has to walk down the crooked sidewalk in the rain without a pretty present wrapped up in ribbons. Just as Emma thinks the rain will never go away, something magical happens, and Emma is able to make it to the party with an even more special present than she ever imagined. Mary Kate’s children’s book beautifully captures the essence of friendship. While our world is heavily focused on consumerism, Emma reminds everyone that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. The greatest gifts come from the heart.

AVAILABLE on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com

REVIEWS

“Mary Kate Cieri lyrically captures Emma’s despair about the rain ruining her surprise for her best friend’s birthday. The climax is luminous as Emma discovers how her love can become the best present yet. Alan James’s watercolors are perfect for both the drippy weather and the burst of joy Emma brings Ruby. A bright treasure!”

– Pegi Deitz Shea, two-time winner of the CT Book Award for Children’s Literature

“Mary Kate’s children’s book beautifully captures the essence of friendship. While our world is heavily focused on consumerism, Emma reminds everyone that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. The greatest gifts come from the heart. Great praise for the talented work of Mary Kate and Alan!”

– Jennifer Zaffati Cleary, English/Creative Writing Teacher

“Emma and the Rain tells the story of friendship, patience, and hope from the perspective of a young girl. Author Mary Kate Cieri gently weaves her story of life’s little lessons. Emma has to learn patience as she waits for the rain to stop and then embraces the literal ray of hope from above, making it possible to see that true signs of friendship come in different shapes, forms, and presents!”

– Katie Genaske, Preschool Playgroup Teacher, former instructor for Lifetime Fitness Kids Academy, BOKS Elementary School Instructor, and mom of four.

About the Author

Mary Kate Cieri is an experienced educator, singer, songwriter and first-time children book author. She has her M.A. in Special education. Mary Kate has taught and worked with children most of her life and loves to connect with kids of all ages, inspiring and uplifting them through her creative and artistic endeavors. Mary Kate lives by the sea in Westbrook, CT with her husband and two children. She visits the ocean every evening where she lets her imagination take flight and continues to create stories that show us the beauty in the simple moments of everyday life.

About the Illustrator

Alan James is a highly respected award winning watercolor artist and teacher. His art graces the walls of many private and corporate collectors worldwide. Alan currently teaches watercolors at his studio in Deep River, CT, at Jerry’s Artarama, and at the historic Lyme Art Association, the birth place of American impressionism. His teaching style is comprehensive and many of his students have gone on to become successful artists in their own right.