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The Falling Raindrop
As a storm rumbles and flashes, something wonderful happens up in the a raindrop begins his journey to earth, thrilled and delighted to be flying. But when flying begins to feel like falling, the raindrop can’t enjoy himself for fear that a big change is coming.
After hitting a campfire on the ground, the raindrop begins his journey back to the clouds as a wisp of steam. Readers will cheer for the little raindrop, experiencing his joys as well as his worries. This simple story uses spare text and art to explain the science of the water cycle, while happily showing that good things can result from change.
From the Hardcover edition.
After hitting a campfire on the ground, the raindrop begins his journey back to the clouds as a wisp of steam. Readers will cheer for the little raindrop, experiencing his joys as well as his worries. This simple story uses spare text and art to explain the science of the water cycle, while happily showing that good things can result from change.
From the Hardcover edition.
48 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 30, 2010
The water cycle! Feelings! Fantastic minimalist illustrations! Suspense... and a happy ending! Say it with me all you teachers and librarians - STO! RY! TIME!!
March 8, 2016
We liked it. The water cycle. Short and sweet.
April 27, 2023
"Let Us Now Praise Famous Men." With all respect to author James Agee, what would I prefer to do?
Let us now learn the science of the water cycle.
And beautifully here it's explained, pictured, made real.
Granted, a fair amount of drama, strong feelings, and all-around amorphism are added, but the readers are kids. Maybe this slightly sugar-coated introduction to science will lead to a real love of science as science.
Then for those who manage to make that imaginative leap, and learn to discover science for its own mysterious sake, the wonder can really begin.
Let us now learn the science of the water cycle.
And beautifully here it's explained, pictured, made real.
Granted, a fair amount of drama, strong feelings, and all-around amorphism are added, but the readers are kids. Maybe this slightly sugar-coated introduction to science will lead to a real love of science as science.
Then for those who manage to make that imaginative leap, and learn to discover science for its own mysterious sake, the wonder can really begin.
November 28, 2017
As I first began reading this I did not think I would like it. I thought it was just about a raindrop falling. But as I read and got to the ending, it could be used as a great beginning lesson on learning about water and the water cycle! The ending was great
September 12, 2019
I love unique perspectives and an anxious raindrop is certainly a perspective I've never considered! My 2nd grade students have always loved this book and it's prompted an exploration of the water cycle.
July 11, 2018
This book is so simple, but it is so good! The simple artwork just absolutely makes the book. It also teaches children about the water cycle and how it all works. A really cute read.
May 11, 2020
Please, this is a book for everyone!
A great message of life!
A great message of life!
November 2, 2021
Picture book about not letting worry steel your joy and also about water cycles.
March 29, 2022
What a great way to introduce the water cycle to young readers. I am excited to share this with campers.
April 25, 2015
Title: The Falling Raindrop
Author: Neil Johnson & Joel Chin
Publisher/Date: Tricycle Press/ 3/23/2010
Pages/Format: 40/ Hardcover
ISBN: 9781582463124
As a storm rumbles and flashes, something wonderful happens up in the clouds: a raindrop begins his journey to earth, thrilled and delighted to be flying. But when flying begins to feel like falling, the raindrop can't enjoy himself for fear that a big change is coming.
After hitting a campfire on the ground, the raindrop begins his journey back to the clouds as a wisp of steam. Readers will cheer for the little raindrop, experiencing his joys as well as his worries.
This simple story uses spare text and art to explain the science of the water cycle, while happily showing that good things can result from change.
The Falling Raindrop is the perfect example of the water cycle in the most basic of terms. Clouds are made of water vapor. When clouds get heavy, the water vapor falls as rain onto the warm earth. The warmth turns rain into steam. As the steam rises, it cools, becomes water vapor, and becomes part of a cloud again.
Neil Johnson and Joel Chin have created a wonderful picture book that not only gives life to the clouds, but to a single raindrop among many who slowly realizes he fears coming to an end once he finishes his fall. Page after page you follow the raindrops progress falling down and down from the cloud towards the Earth. He goes from a happy raindrop to one of sadness as fast as he is falling.
At first I was really excited about getting to read this book, but I had second thoughts when I myself was getting sad at seeing the raindrop fall apart emotionally over what was in store him. However, this tale has both a sad and happy ending. The raindrop does end, but is reborn again as a wisp of steam after striking a fire. Resulting in the little raindrops fear evaporating into joy once again over being reunited with the clouds and being able to once again form as a raindrop and take the falling plunge to Earth.
In a very real way, this book help explains two things. The water cycle, which is its most straight forward concept, but also reincarnation. Reincarnation is the religious or philosophical concept that the soul or spirit, after biological death, can begin a new life in a new body. Here, the raindrop begins life and once touching the fire begins life again as steam. Which ever way you see this book, The Falling Raindrop is a great addition to any one's library.
I highly recommend for anyone who wants to help explain the water cycle, reincarnation, recycling, and where storms come from and why. Most importantly, I recommend to anyone who loves being instantly attached to the main characters in stories. You will fall instantly in love with the raindrop. I also should mention that if your a fan of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, especially the potted plant and whale scene specifically, you might find you rather enjoy this picture book as well.
originally posted: http://tiffanyfoxbooks.blogspot.com/2...
Author: Neil Johnson & Joel Chin
Publisher/Date: Tricycle Press/ 3/23/2010
Pages/Format: 40/ Hardcover
ISBN: 9781582463124
As a storm rumbles and flashes, something wonderful happens up in the clouds: a raindrop begins his journey to earth, thrilled and delighted to be flying. But when flying begins to feel like falling, the raindrop can't enjoy himself for fear that a big change is coming.
After hitting a campfire on the ground, the raindrop begins his journey back to the clouds as a wisp of steam. Readers will cheer for the little raindrop, experiencing his joys as well as his worries.
This simple story uses spare text and art to explain the science of the water cycle, while happily showing that good things can result from change.
The Falling Raindrop is the perfect example of the water cycle in the most basic of terms. Clouds are made of water vapor. When clouds get heavy, the water vapor falls as rain onto the warm earth. The warmth turns rain into steam. As the steam rises, it cools, becomes water vapor, and becomes part of a cloud again.
Neil Johnson and Joel Chin have created a wonderful picture book that not only gives life to the clouds, but to a single raindrop among many who slowly realizes he fears coming to an end once he finishes his fall. Page after page you follow the raindrops progress falling down and down from the cloud towards the Earth. He goes from a happy raindrop to one of sadness as fast as he is falling.
At first I was really excited about getting to read this book, but I had second thoughts when I myself was getting sad at seeing the raindrop fall apart emotionally over what was in store him. However, this tale has both a sad and happy ending. The raindrop does end, but is reborn again as a wisp of steam after striking a fire. Resulting in the little raindrops fear evaporating into joy once again over being reunited with the clouds and being able to once again form as a raindrop and take the falling plunge to Earth.
In a very real way, this book help explains two things. The water cycle, which is its most straight forward concept, but also reincarnation. Reincarnation is the religious or philosophical concept that the soul or spirit, after biological death, can begin a new life in a new body. Here, the raindrop begins life and once touching the fire begins life again as steam. Which ever way you see this book, The Falling Raindrop is a great addition to any one's library.
I highly recommend for anyone who wants to help explain the water cycle, reincarnation, recycling, and where storms come from and why. Most importantly, I recommend to anyone who loves being instantly attached to the main characters in stories. You will fall instantly in love with the raindrop. I also should mention that if your a fan of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, especially the potted plant and whale scene specifically, you might find you rather enjoy this picture book as well.
originally posted: http://tiffanyfoxbooks.blogspot.com/2...
June 24, 2010
I believe I ordered this. It sounded familiar when I saw it in our new books. I read it and thought, "Um. OK." Then I read the author bio and thought, "Oh! I get it." I think preschoolers might enjoy the "intensity" that could come from seeing what will happen. And it can be considered one of the quicker reads.
6/22/10 & 6/24/10 I used this as a filler at the end of both days, since there was time and I thought I'd try it. It wasn't that great. Not awful. But the larger crowd seemed to get a little bored (plus it was at the end!). I could see in some faces the worry over the suspense as the story went on. But the ending seemed a bit of a let-down since there was barely any reaction from the kids. I do think the extreme simplicity of the illustrations caught the attention. But it would probably be best done as a lap-read. Some discussion and up-close illustration examination is possible then.
6/22/10 & 6/24/10 I used this as a filler at the end of both days, since there was time and I thought I'd try it. It wasn't that great. Not awful. But the larger crowd seemed to get a little bored (plus it was at the end!). I could see in some faces the worry over the suspense as the story went on. But the ending seemed a bit of a let-down since there was barely any reaction from the kids. I do think the extreme simplicity of the illustrations caught the attention. But it would probably be best done as a lap-read. Some discussion and up-close illustration examination is possible then.
August 16, 2011
The Falling Raindrop by Neil Johnson was Harriet's library choice when she was learning about weather at her preschool.
The cover features an inviting, minimalist sketch of an anthropomorphized raindrop streaking downwards on a diagonal. Most of the book is just that, the single raindrop falling and thinking about things on the way down.
The raindrop about midway through the book starts to fear for the worst. When the raindrop started to get afraid, so did Harriet. When the approaching ground becomes an approaching campfire, Harriet seriously considered stopping the book.
After a few deep breaths she decided she would see the book to the end. The main character, being a raindrop, "survived" the fall to earth and is evaporated into the sky to repeat the process. Harriet was relieved with the ending but didn't like being scared just to learn something she already knew.
The cover features an inviting, minimalist sketch of an anthropomorphized raindrop streaking downwards on a diagonal. Most of the book is just that, the single raindrop falling and thinking about things on the way down.
The raindrop about midway through the book starts to fear for the worst. When the raindrop started to get afraid, so did Harriet. When the approaching ground becomes an approaching campfire, Harriet seriously considered stopping the book.
After a few deep breaths she decided she would see the book to the end. The main character, being a raindrop, "survived" the fall to earth and is evaporated into the sky to repeat the process. Harriet was relieved with the ending but didn't like being scared just to learn something she already knew.
March 28, 2011
A gentle story which introduces a young child to the water cycle. As clouds gather and a storm forms, a raindrop is born. Gleefully happy that he is flying through the air, he is just about as happy as any raindrop can be. Then, however he realizes he may be falling instead of flying, and crashes into a campfire. The little raindrop becomes of wisp of steam, and rises, rises, rises, to join the clouds again...and someday turn into a falling raindrop once more.
The Falling Raindrop explains in simple terms the circular movement of the rain cycle. The author's note says: "Clouds are made of water vapor. When clouds get heavy, the water vapor falls as rain onto the warm earth. The warmth turns rain into steam. As the steam rises, it cools, becomes water vapor, and becomes part of a cloud again."
Used for "Rainy Days Ahead" Storytime: April, 2011.
The Falling Raindrop explains in simple terms the circular movement of the rain cycle. The author's note says: "Clouds are made of water vapor. When clouds get heavy, the water vapor falls as rain onto the warm earth. The warmth turns rain into steam. As the steam rises, it cools, becomes water vapor, and becomes part of a cloud again."
Used for "Rainy Days Ahead" Storytime: April, 2011.
October 24, 2010
Positively reviewed. (www.denverlibrary.org, http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/di...)
A raindrop is traced through the water cycle as its journey begins with a thundercloud and ends with steam from a campfire. This depiction of the water cycle comes with the added message that the author and illustrator hope to convey: that life is short and should be lived without worry. Young readers can easily follow and understand the raindrop's journey, which has as much to do with life and death as it does with the water cycle.
Would fit perfectly with a discussion of the water cycle in a science curriculum; also a good choice for a spring and/or rainy day read-aloud.
A raindrop is traced through the water cycle as its journey begins with a thundercloud and ends with steam from a campfire. This depiction of the water cycle comes with the added message that the author and illustrator hope to convey: that life is short and should be lived without worry. Young readers can easily follow and understand the raindrop's journey, which has as much to do with life and death as it does with the water cycle.
Would fit perfectly with a discussion of the water cycle in a science curriculum; also a good choice for a spring and/or rainy day read-aloud.
November 8, 2014
I can't add much to reviewer Paula's perfect write-up:
"The water cycle! Feelings! Fantastic minimalist illustrations! Suspense... and a happy ending! Say it with me all you teachers and librarians - STO! RY! TIME!!" (Paula)
--though I'd add that it would also make a great one-on-one read, especially to a child with worry or anxiety (I put it on my "tough topics picture books" shelf because I want to include tough feelings, like anxiety, there)
AND
that it would add a nice STEAM element to storytime, especially one in which you were actually able to make/show steam.
"The water cycle! Feelings! Fantastic minimalist illustrations! Suspense... and a happy ending! Say it with me all you teachers and librarians - STO! RY! TIME!!" (Paula)
--though I'd add that it would also make a great one-on-one read, especially to a child with worry or anxiety (I put it on my "tough topics picture books" shelf because I want to include tough feelings, like anxiety, there)
AND
that it would add a nice STEAM element to storytime, especially one in which you were actually able to make/show steam.
May 15, 2010
This is a simple tale, but with a deep underlying meaning that is very philosophical. Younger children may not see the many layers, but they will understand the simple science lesson about raindrops falling out of the sky. As a parent, I could appreciate the lesson on taking chances and embracing changes without fear, of appreciating the now.
December 2, 2010
This is an easy book that is a fathers answer to his sons question during a rainstorm. He asked if raindrops were scared too. Also provides an introduction to the water cycle. I liked it, but the illustrations left me flat.
June 19, 2015
This worked really well with slightly older kids, and the illustrations are great for the kids -- not too much overload, but just enough for them to sort of latch on to and think about. It worked great with the rhyme "Rain is Falling Down".
March 18, 2013
I would add this to any library collection for the dual value it offers readers. The cartoon like, simple illustrations do a first rate job of teaching the water cycle, while at the same the raindrops's fear teaches the reader how to have self confidence. That's a lot for one little raindrop.
December 3, 2013
This story takes us on an adventure and introduces us to a raindrop who is new to the world and doesn't know how to handle its destiny. The illustrations and words in the story truly make it exciting to read.
November 4, 2013
I liked that this story was about two concepts, the cycle of water and the progression of life and how that might feel for someone. I personally think about how quick of lives are compared to the grad scheme of life. The raindrop had another chance at enjoying his fall.
January 21, 2014
Cute book about both the water cycle and also about not being so afraid in life that you miss out on things. I wish the illustrations had been a little larger or had a little more to them. The little raindrop is often the only thing on the page and he's so tiny some pages are 95% blank.
May 16, 2016
The raindrop flies to the Earth, enjoying every moment. But wait -- what if he's falling, not flying? Anxiety sets in. Fear. Impending doom awaits. A Buddhist approach to the water cycle in a quick story that will make for a good read-aloud.
May 11, 2010
An interesting way to talk about the water cycle.
June 23, 2010
Stunning simplicity.
July 26, 2010
Loved it! One of my favorite picture books of the year. I was so excited when I found it, I could hardly wait to go up and pay for it.
September 7, 2010
Simple, but profound. Could be used with children with anxieties or to begin a discussion about death. Or could just be enjoyed as a story about a rain drop!
June 23, 2011
This book is a great read aloud about part of the water cycle and also addresses apprehension often found in young children and their relief when everything turns out okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews