I find it amazing how some books just have that powerful essence of bringing the reader to the state of ultimate satisfaction. No doubts, no buts, just a beautiful completeness. Catherine Bateson's award winning junior fiction novel Rain May and Captain Daniel (2002) did just that.  

Rain May's world is turned upside down when her parents separate. In order to make a 'new and simpler life' Rain and her mother move to the country. Rain is not convinced of this move. She does not want to live in a possum infested house; a town with no pizza; or face the humiliation of beginning a new school. Not only that, Rain still has to come to terms with her Dad's new girlfriend Julia. However when she meets her new neighbour Daniel, a boy with a mind of brilliance, Rain finds that country life can be full of surprises. She discovers the importance of friendship, loyalty, family change and acceptance.   

Bateson's work as an Australian poet and author has captivated the book market for young adults and children. Her distinctive choice of language exposes her rich poetical background (CMIS n.d.). Rain May and Captain Daniel (2002) comes after Bateson's first prose novel, the highly acclaimed Painted Love Letters (2002). Her love of creative writing and her publishing of poetry and verse novels, shine through in this story (UQP 2004). Bateson (n.d.) simply '…wanted to write a novel.'

Told in the first person, by twelve-year-old female protagonist Rain, the story explores relationships between family and friends. Dealing with parent separation and moving to an unfamiliar setting can leave any child in a state of confusion. The story suggests that acceptance, understanding and loyalty all play a part of facing life's challenges.  

Interspersed throughout the narrative are logbook entries from Daniel the Star Trek addict and poems that Rain and her mother construct with fridge magnets. This is a clever device used by Bateson to interlace the feelings and relationships of the two important characters in Rain's life. Communication is a key element.  

Bateson has carefully chosen her characters to be believable and facing issues that young readers can relate to, even learn from. For example, not fitting into societies 'ideal' child as when Daniel states…"I am the most unpopular kid…" The struggle between acceptance and rejection reflects the experience of many children. Bateson has cleverly made Rain the backbone of the story, allowing the character to be open minded and hence, able to shed light on this issue with her friends.  

The cover of the book gives many clues to the content. The spine represents the back fence connecting the two main characters, while the detail in and outside each house hints of the occupants interests and environment.

Although part of this book may become outdated due to the large focus on 'Star Trek'; Bateson entwines adventure and real life issues into a moving and engaging story. The realistically portrayed characters will appeal to middle age children and encourage them to evaluate and consider what is really important in their lives. This is the vital ingredient that Bateson has beautifully and gently implied.

Review by Prudence Stone

This piece was originally submitted as part of the course work in Australian Children's Literature.  It listed as references:

Bateson, Catherine (n.d.) Meet Catherine [online]. Available: http://www.catherine-bateson.com/contact.html (Accessed 2 April 2005).  

CMIS (n.d.) Catherine Bateson - Focus on Fiction [online]. Available: http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/cmis/eval/fiction/authors/at2.htm (Accessed 2 April 2005). 

UQP (2004) Catherine Bateson [online]. Available: http://www.uqp.uq.edu.au/author_details.php?id=225 (Accessed 31 March 2005).

© 2005 Prudence Stone