A Book to Inspire a Love of Nature

Some books are written to get kids excited about a particular subject, others are simply good books in their own right. When Rain Falls lands solidly in both those categories. Award-winning science writer and veteran children's book author Melissa Stewart answers one of the most interesting questions that kids have about nature: where do animals go when it rains?

Bats hang in hillside caves, ducks cruise through the water with their oily feathers, red foxes nestle in their dens, and squirrels pull their long tails over their heads like umbrellas. Each page connects kids with an important biology lesson as Stewart explains the way animals protect themselves, and because the story is split up by habitat, including the forest, a field, a wetland, and a desert, it also provides a great introduction to ecology.

Written for ages 4 to 8, Stewart's language is easy to read and understand, in part because it takes on a lyrical feeling. The soft watercolors of Constance Bergum help bring to life the secret activities of these animals and thier rain-soaked habitats. Kids will love to see an up-close look at the tree hole of a Chickadee or the underground nest of an ant colony!

So, if you want to tap into your child's curiosity about the natural world, inspire a love for science, find a relevant book for the rainy season, or if you're just looking for a good read, When Rain Falls, will cover all the bases.