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Don't Be Afraid to Drop : A Picture Book About Growth Mindset and Trying Something New
What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go?
Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.
“You have so many gifts to share with the world,
so many dreams to live.
Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud.
Discover the ways you can give.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There’s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!
Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.
“You have so many gifts to share with the world,
so many dreams to live.
Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud.
Discover the ways you can give.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There’s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2021
2 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Julia Cook
157 books194 followers"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world."
~ Julia Cook
JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.
~ Julia Cook
JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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January 18, 2021This is the cutest ARC I've ever read..
The story revolves around a little raindrop that is afraid to fall to the ground, is afraid to leave his beautiful cloud that he knows, is afraid to leave his friends who know him, and is afraid to go to a place where no one knows him. In an interesting and warm manner, the author emphasizes the purpose of life.. I liked the part in which she talks about helping people makes us mature..
The story revolves around a little raindrop that is afraid to fall to the ground, is afraid to leave his beautiful cloud that he knows, is afraid to leave his friends who know him, and is afraid to go to a place where no one knows him. In an interesting and warm manner, the author emphasizes the purpose of life.. I liked the part in which she talks about helping people makes us mature..
January 20, 2021
This is the sweetest book!! I would recommend this book as a read aloud in the classroom or to have as a book to read to your children!! Father raindrop is helping his son be ready to drop down from the clouds. It goes through all the ways he is nervous, if it will hurt, or what will he land on!! The illustrations are wonderful. It makes it look like the drops are real and you the colors used are beautiful.
January 26, 2021
The artstyle is so soft and fluffy!
Love the father-son duo drops!
I guess we are all afraid to go out of our comfort zone or to just shine doing what we do best, including for the best of others.
The message is indeed powerful.
Love the book!
Thank you, author and publisher, for the advance reading copy.
Love the father-son duo drops!
I guess we are all afraid to go out of our comfort zone or to just shine doing what we do best, including for the best of others.
The message is indeed powerful.
Love the book!
Thank you, author and publisher, for the advance reading copy.
March 10, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the National Center for Youth Issues for a free digital copy for my review.
A parable about change for kids. How sometimes going out to fulfill our lives purposes isn't easy, in fact it's risky, but it's necessary to live a full life. The way this lesson is framed is so cute and the illustrations are very fun.
A parable about change for kids. How sometimes going out to fulfill our lives purposes isn't easy, in fact it's risky, but it's necessary to live a full life. The way this lesson is framed is so cute and the illustrations are very fun.
March 28, 2021
I read this book with my three-year-old daughter and she really enjoyed it.
She is a little ahead for her age so the fact it is looked at as a book for years 4 and above was no issue. She loved the story and the illustrations were great too and really brought the book to life.
The book was well written and it was easy to understand - it is 4 stars from me for this one.
She is a little ahead for her age so the fact it is looked at as a book for years 4 and above was no issue. She loved the story and the illustrations were great too and really brought the book to life.
The book was well written and it was easy to understand - it is 4 stars from me for this one.
January 31, 2021
5/5 stars
Genre: Children's Fiction
Description:
What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go?
Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.
“You have so many gifts to share with the world,
so many dreams to live.
Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud.
Discover the ways you can give.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There’s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!
Pros:
- The art is beautiful.
- Kept children's attention.
- Good lesson.
- Fun rhyming with a great flow.
Cons:
- None!
Would I recommend it?
Yes!
Genre: Children's Fiction
Description:
What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go?
Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.
“You have so many gifts to share with the world,
so many dreams to live.
Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud.
Discover the ways you can give.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There’s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!
Pros:
- The art is beautiful.
- Kept children's attention.
- Good lesson.
- Fun rhyming with a great flow.
Cons:
- None!
Would I recommend it?
Yes!
January 16, 2021
Don't Be Afraid to Drop by Julia Cook is a sweet story about rain drop who must leave his comfy cloud home to give of himself to the world below. Of course our little rain drop is nervous to make such a big change in his life, but his father convinces him to be brave and how he can make a difference to the world. This is an excellent book to use with elementary age children to show how children can accept changes and take risks in their lives. This is a critical social skill for students because so many are are apprehensive to take risks and with changes in their routine. I am an elementary special education teacher (self contained autism) and I can see using this as a resource to help teach this skill in my classroom. This book can also be used to help demonstrate the water cycle. I love when books can help explain many different types of things!
March 7, 2021
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop by Julia Cook
9781937870799
32 Pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues / Independent Book Publishers Association
Release Date: January 7, 2021
Fiction (Children’s), Change, Emotions, Anxiety, Feelings
This book is about a raindrop getting ready for his first drop. He is nervous and is afraid. His father gives him encouragement. What an excellent book to explain changes to children especially now with all the uncertainty in the world. Although this book is labeled for children, the message of change and anxiety can be shared with any age. I think the book is brilliant and the artwork is so sweet.
9781937870799
32 Pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues / Independent Book Publishers Association
Release Date: January 7, 2021
Fiction (Children’s), Change, Emotions, Anxiety, Feelings
This book is about a raindrop getting ready for his first drop. He is nervous and is afraid. His father gives him encouragement. What an excellent book to explain changes to children especially now with all the uncertainty in the world. Although this book is labeled for children, the message of change and anxiety can be shared with any age. I think the book is brilliant and the artwork is so sweet.
May 23, 2022
I loved this book! So cute, inspirational, and motivational. The illustrations were amazing and the story was great. This would be very good for kids to know that change doesn't have to be scary and to be brave even if you are scared. There is a page at the back with tips for parents to help guide kids through change, too. I think it's motivational for anyone, not just kids.
"Whatever your gift is, whatever your purpose, don’t be afraid to let go. Grab hold of some courage, believe in yourself, and share all the things that you know. "
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Whatever your gift is, whatever your purpose, don’t be afraid to let go. Grab hold of some courage, believe in yourself, and share all the things that you know. "
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
This is a sweet story about a little raindrop who’s afraid to leave his home and drop into the big world below him. His father gently explains how the little raindrop can impact the world in a positive way. He acknowledges the little drop's feelings and encourages him to take the plunge (literally). Good for classroom discussions about how to build up the courage to face challenges and leave comfort zones.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Cook (author) and Anna Laura Sullivan Illustrator) for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Cook (author) and Anna Laura Sullivan Illustrator) for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2021
This was a lovely rhyming story about a little raindrop being scared to drop out of the sky. The little raindrop finally plucked up the courage after lots of encouragement from his dad and was very pleased he had taken the risk to try something new. Lots of helpful messages about being brave, trying new things and helping others that can be shared with children. My Reception class would love this story and my own children (aged 2 and 6) enjoyed it too. Thank you netgalley for this advanced copy.
January 7, 2021
Don't Be Afraid To Drop is a wonderful book about change and transition. It acknowledges the feeling about change and gives great strategies. I really enjoyed the parent tips and the adorable illustrations. I already have a lesson plan idea brewing. This will be a much needed addition to my classroom library. Another winner, Julia Cook! Thanks National Center of Youth Issues and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.
January 17, 2021
Don’t be afraid to drop is a book about growth mindset. This book is about growth and change. It has beautiful pictures and a transformative message for all. This book promotes improved self-esteem and bravery. The illustrations are beautiful and sure to capture the interest and attention of all children. Not only does it present a wonderful message, it also, provides information to caregivers on how to continue to assist children with these skills. I highly recommend this book.
January 22, 2021
A little raindrop is afraid to fall from the sky and leave his dad. The dad explains everything will be fine and he needs to let go of his fear and everything will be fine. Eventually the raindrop does get over his fear and heads to the earth and everything end up just fine. This is a good book I think you could use it in a lot of different settings not just fear but maybe even losing a loved one. Great read!
May 31, 2021
This is a fun children's book that serves both as an educational tool and encourage children to not be afraid of new things. First, for the educational part, children learn about the cycle of rain and its importance for earth. But, my favorite part, is the encouragement the little rain drop gets from his father to be brave and fall from the sky. I love how the raindrop learn how fun it is to take a chance.
January 7, 2021
Cute story with bright, vibrant illustrations about needing to be brave and face the unknown in order to embrace your full potential. Would be a nice gift to kids who are facing a big life change.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and The National Center for Youth Issues for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest opinions.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and The National Center for Youth Issues for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest opinions.
January 8, 2021
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A delightful and beautifully illustrated little book highlighting the importance of change.
It's illustrations help to tell the story of acceptance and change that will assist young readers in understanding that change is a factor in life but it isn't always a bad thing.
A delightful and beautifully illustrated little book highlighting the importance of change.
It's illustrations help to tell the story of acceptance and change that will assist young readers in understanding that change is a factor in life but it isn't always a bad thing.
March 1, 2021
While the raindrop metaphor breaks down at a certain point, it's still a charming story that uses a cute image to communicate its theme. I personally found its main character particularly interesting since I've seen similar raindrop characters used in local campaigns about saving water in drought seasons.
September 6, 2021
This is such a great picturebook for ages 4-6 about not being afraid to try new things or take risks. It also stresses the importance of sharing our gifts with others and the fact that we miss out on experiences and the ability to grow when we let fear get in the way. Don’t Be Afraid to Drop also starts a beginning discussion of the water cycle, especially evaporation and condensation.
June 20, 2024
Three & a half stars.
Eh, I was hoping for better. Even for a children’s book, it felt a bit preachy. The art was fine, but I didn’t find myself particularly amused or amazed by any of the imagery.
I think I would only share this book with a little if they had a big change coming up fairly immediately in their life. (First day of school, etc.)
Eh, I was hoping for better. Even for a children’s book, it felt a bit preachy. The art was fine, but I didn’t find myself particularly amused or amazed by any of the imagery.
I think I would only share this book with a little if they had a big change coming up fairly immediately in their life. (First day of school, etc.)
January 8, 2021
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an adorable picture book about being brave and courageous, and doing what you need to do even though it may be scary.
This is an adorable picture book about being brave and courageous, and doing what you need to do even though it may be scary.
March 19, 2021
This book works quite well and once the reader gets the cadence down it flows pretty smoothly. I like the message a lot, and it reminds me of Oh the Places You’ll Go. It says try new things and I like that message a lot.
June 10, 2018
Книжка про те, як корисно інколи відпускати любе серцю і виходити із зони комфорту, хоча і іншими словами.
January 10, 2021
Message was good but cadence was terrible and the book was too long. A pass for me.
March 25, 2021
Such a cute story about braveness and change being something to look forward to and embraced. Greta for an ece classroom or anything having to do with a child transitioning
June 25, 2024
Amazing little book!
June 5, 2022
“If you don’t take a risk, you’ll never find out what great things might happen today.”
Little raindrop is quite comfortable in his cloud where everyone knows him and he has such fun. But his father tells him it is his turn to drop from the cloud and share his gift.
Little raindrop is quite comfortable in his cloud where everyone knows him and he has such fun. But his father tells him it is his turn to drop from the cloud and share his gift.
July 5, 2013
This book provides an encouraging message for all age groups. It is all about facing change with courage, and accepting that at some points in our life change is going to happen. As a teacher you can use this book with grade levels where students make a big move in life let's say from elementary to middle school. You could read this story at the beginning of the year or even at the end. Cook does a wonderful job using a simple story with excellent illustrations to create a message about taking risks that anyone can relate to.
October 13, 2010
I often give Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You Will Go as a graduation gift, but this will also be a contender. The rain drop is afraid to leave his cloud, but his father tells him it's okay and the story illustrates this! Can be used to show new students their way in class or older students a lesson about leaving home.
February 10, 2016
One of my favorite Julia Cook books. The message of fear, courage, and change can be applied to many situations. I have used it with kids when discussing everything from fear of starting Kindergarden to divorce. It's a counseling must have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews