As it gets wetter, it’s time to play in puddles, breathe fog onto windows, and teach the water cycle! I Am the Rain is one of three Dawn books that feature water in all its myriad forms (See also Pitter and Patter and A Drop Around the World).
I Am the Rain is the 2018 winner of both the Teacher’s Choice Award and the Family Choice Award and a recipient of numerous starred reviews. Suitable for first to third grade, this lyrical picture book focuses on the forms of water, from mist to floods to flakes, with a special emphasis on the influence of the changing seasons. Look at this gorgeous spread of fall pumpkins!
As one reviewer put it: “It’s a large task to steer young children through the cycle of condensation-precipitation-collection-evaporation. Paterson’s spacious illustrations and animated narrative do a brilliant job of just that.”
For those children who ask the tough questions (What makes a rainbow? Where does rain come from? What color is water?), our Science Behind the Poetry Handout has clear, concise answers that cover the most common questions about water, as well as the ins-and-outs of the water cycle. The handout is free on our website and makes a great teaching aid to deepen children’s understanding.
If you’re looking for inspiration around teaching kids about the water cycle, I Am the Rain is the perfect package of wonder, beauty, and kid-friendly science.