The Day the Rains Fell
What’s inside...
A wonderful, evocative tale about how waterholes came to exist on the African savannah
At the beginning of time a goddess descends to Earth and finds that parts of the land are dry, the plants are wilting, and the animals are thirsty, for even when it rains on the parched surface, the water just runs off. The goddess is inspired to make enormous pots of clay which she pushes into the earth to collect the rainwater so the animals can drink. While she works, her daughter collects bits of leftover clay and makes a necklace. Once the pots are in place, the animals show their gratitude by adding colors to the dull beads of the necklace—the flamingo gives its bright pink, the zebra its stripes, and the ant the deep red of the earth inside its anthill. Featuring beautiful watercolor illustrations and a page of information about traditional African pots and beads, this book also includes activities for children to do on their own.
Why read this book
- Explores essential environmental and ecological concepts.
- Enhances understanding of natural phenomena through storytelling.
- Encourages empathy for wildlife and nature preservation.
- Vibrant illustrations complement engaging narrative.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when the rains began to fall in the story?
What do you think the animals and plants felt about the rain?
Can you imagine what might happen if it didn't rain at all?
How do you think the rain helps the earth?
What would you do if you were in the story during the rainfall?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Use follow-up questions based on their answers to explore their understanding and empathy.
Connect the story to personal experiences, like a rainy day your family has shared, to make the discussion relatable.
Discuss the importance of weather in the natural world to enhance their environmental awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Day the Rains Fell', various animals work together to overcome challenges caused by a sudden flood. Their cooperative efforts highlight the strength of working as a team.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaborating with others can lead to successful outcomes, whether in school projects or in play.
Example Lesson: Adaptability in the face of change
Explanation: The story showcases how the animal characters adapt to their environment's sudden changes due to rainfall. This adaptation is crucial for their survival.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Conservation of nature
Explanation: As the animals in the book strive to save their homes and restore the environment after the flood, the narrative emphasizes the importance of caring for and protecting our natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the ordeal, the animals show concern for each other's well-being, portraying strong themes of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be understanding and supportive of their peers and family members who may be experiencing difficulties.