Whatever The Weather, We're In This Together by Jessica Braithwaite and Rebecca Ralfe. Illus. by Laura Bee

Channel Nine weather presenter, songwriter and parent Jessica Braithwaite has teamed with Rebecca Ralfe, a Cairns-based children’s book author and anthropologist to create a wonderful rhyming story about our Australian seasons. With detailed vibrant illustrations by NZ illustrator Laura Bee, this engaging story showcases all facets of our seasonal weather.

The bright and colourful cover and clever endpapers that capture two different seasons in the same location, are the perfect introduction to a delightful narrative about the weather and how families enjoy their time together.

I love your smile when the sun shines bright,
when magpies sing in the morning light.
I love your hug when thunder rumbles,
clouds roll in and raindrops tumble.

The accessible text creatively flows across the double pages and reflects the weather of the day with emphasis on some key words.  For example, the windy words WHOOSH across the page, the thunder R U M B L E S,
the Lightning                      
                splits
                        the sky
                                  in two.

The repetition of the words 'Whatever the weather, we’re in this together' encourages early word recognition and reinforces the connectedness of family.

The CBCA Book Week theme for 2026 is Symphony of Stories and Whatever The Weather, We're In This Together has an accompanying ballad  that you can listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, or most other music streaming services. Youtube clip: Whatever The Weather, We're In This Together

This is a positive and heartwarming read that will appeal to early years children both at home and school. With Seasons being an important topic in both early learning centres and schools, Whatever The Weather, We're In This Together will be a valuable resource to have on hand.

Themes: Weather, Seasons, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring, Families, Love.

Kathryn Beilby