This Raindrop: Has a Billion Stories to Tell

by Linda Ragsdale Narrated by Simon Vance

Overview

This beautiful tale follows a raindrop's journey on Earth, from the time of the dinosaurs to the creation of the earliest cities and beyond. It explains how Earth has depended on the same water supply throughout its existence by flowing and falling all around us, fueling and forming much of what we have seen and used for millions of years. Featuring beautiful narration and educational back matter including an explanation of the water cycle, the importance of water conservation, and resources for further learning, this book introduces a new understanding of our planet and encourages mindfulness and action when it comes to caring for the environment.

Editorial Reviews

Youth Services Book Review

"From cover-to-cover and everywhere in between, this book is extremely high quality—both in materials and content.” (Starred Review)

From the Publisher

"From cover-to-cover and everywhere in between, this book is extremely high quality—both in materials and content.” (Starred Review)

School Library Journal

02/01/2020

K-Gr 2—Imagine how one raindrop travels through time and space in this brief introduction to the water cycle. Could this drop have "flipped off the top" of a dinosaur wing, "tippy-tapped" on the roofs in cities across the globe, and come crashing down in the form of a waterfall? Readers are asked to consider this possibility and contemplate the historical importance of water. The use of alliteration, short phrases, and descriptive watercolor illustrations makes this text appealing to young readers. Although the narrative itself is not overly informative and will require either further research or discussion, the format lends itself well as a jumping-off point for investigation. Back matter and a page of additional student-friendly resources provide the necessary tools for future exploration. Even though some of the scientific vocabulary, such as molecules and precipitation may require some explanation, this title works as solid introductory material and will awaken the curiosity of young readers. VERDICT A thoughtful fit for eco-themed storytime or as the beginning of a unit on water conservation. Recommended for most collections.—Louie Lauer, Jefferson Elementary School, Fargo, ND

Kirkus Reviews

2019-12-18
An unnamed drop of water shares stories of where it's been and why water is important.

Since the era of dinosaurs, the little raindrop has existed. From the very first ocean wave to the rain on rooftops of houses today, the raindrop has traversed the world and continues to be an invaluable part of nature. It seeps into the ground, "cuddled as a puddle," and is reborn as dew on orange and yellow flowers on the next page. Water is more than just precipitation: It connects people and places, from "poets and pirates" to "friends, fisherman, sailors, soldiers, and seekers." With its personified-raindrop narrator, the story attempts to be informative and engaging but struggles with the latter due to overuse of alliteration and overall wordiness. While the heart of its message is complemented by vibrant and eye-catching illustrations, it is not enough to outweigh the stilted language and (ironically) failure to flow. Backmatter including descriptions of the water cycle and water conservation provides much-needed definitions for some of the more complex vocabulary used. Children will be frustrated that the "sagas and secrets of travelers" that "raindrops are fully versed in" are only hinted at and not revealed.

A beautiful but insubstantial book on the importance of water. (further information, suggested reading) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177153278
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	08/11/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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