A book that invites return visits, not through novelty, but through the comfort of familiarity and the strength of its central idea.
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
As you turn the first page of Whatever the Weather We’re in This Together, you have an immediate sense of warmth that settles comfortably into the reading experience. The format is well-suited to its young audience, offering a size that allows expressive illustrations to remain clear while still being easy for small hands to manage. The construction feels dependable, encouraging regular handling, particularly as this is a book likely to become part of a repeated reading cycle.
The narrative is built around a simple but effective premise that children will be able to relate to. Changing weather becomes the framework through which emotional states and shared experiences are explored. This connection between external environment and internal feeling is introduced early. The concept is accessible, allowing young readers to recognise familiar situations while gradually engaging with more layered ideas about connection and support.
The writing is clear and rhythmic, lending itself naturally to reading aloud. There is a steady cadence to the text, with repetition used thoughtfully to reinforce the central message without becoming monotonous. Each shift in weather introduces a new variation, both visually and emotionally, creating a structure that feels predictable in a reassuring way while still offering enough variation to sustain interest.
What stands out in the text is its emphasis on the theme of togetherness, another idea which many parents may want to explore with their children. This approach allows the message to emerge without direct instruction. The book does not state its intention overtly, instead allowing the repetition and progression to build a sense of unity.
Laura Bee’s illustrations play a significant role in shaping the tone of this book. The colour palette shifts in response to the changing weather, moving from bright and open to softer, more subdued tones. These transitions are handled smoothly, ensuring that each spread feels connected to the one before it while still offering its own identity. The use of colour becomes a visual language that mirrors the emotional rhythm of the text. Meanwhile, the character design is approachable and expressive. Figures are rendered with a softness that invites engagement, their expressions clear without being exaggerated. Movement is suggested through posture and placement, giving each scene a sense of life and energy. Even in quieter moments, there is an underlying sense of connection that reinforces the central theme.
The interaction between text and illustration is cohesive. In some spreads, the images extend the meaning of the words, adding detail or context that enriches the reading experience. In others, they provide space, allowing the simplicity of the text to remain the focus. This balance ensures that neither element overwhelms the other, creating a unified presentation.
Thematically, the book centres on resilience and companionship. It acknowledges that experiences can shift, just as the weather does, but emphasises that these shifts are easier to navigate together. This is presented in a way that remains accessible to younger readers, avoiding complexity while still offering meaningful insight. The message feels integrated into the structure rather than layered on top.
There is also a gentle encouragement toward empathy. By linking emotional states to familiar weather patterns, the book provides a framework for understanding both personal feelings and those of others. This connection is handled with subtlety, allowing readers to engage at their own level without being directed too strongly.
Physically, the book supports its purpose through thoughtful design. Page turns are smooth and deliberate, each new spread introducing a shift that feels earned rather than abrupt. The balance of illustration and space allows the pacing to remain calm, reinforcing the reassuring tone that runs throughout.
In its entirety, Whatever the Weather We’re in This Together offers a consistent and engaging reading experience. It builds its impact through repetition, visual cohesion, and a clear thematic focus. It is a work that encourages connection, presenting togetherness not as an abstract concept, but as something lived and shared across changing moments.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: November 2025
RRP: $22.99
