Down Comes the Rain

Yes, the book fosters the development of various processes. In terms of observation, the students are given opportunities to make connections to his or her own personal experiences with rainfall, evaporation, and condensation. For example, the illustrations might lead readers to share a time in which they have seen their breath in the cold, or clouds, puddles, rain, etc. They are given definitions and illustrations to facilitate the classification process; and the idea that rain is recycled (or the cycle repeats) encourages the development of prediction-making, as they are able to assume what stage comes next.

• Author: Franklyn M. Branley
• Illustrator: James Graham Hale
• Year Published: 2016
• ISBN: 978-0-06-445166-6

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

This book is about how the water cycle works: Rain comes down, but the sun's heat eventually turns the water from the puddles into water vapor. Afterwards, this moisture in the air forms together to create new clouds. The cycle then repeats! This story is vibrantly illustrated with watercolor, pen and ink.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book fosters the development of various processes. In terms of observation, the students are given opportunities to make connections to his or her own personal experiences with rainfall, evaporation, and condensation. For example, the illustrations might lead readers to share a time in which they have seen their breath in the cold, or clouds, puddles, rain, etc. They are given definitions and illustrations to facilitate the classification process; and the idea that rain is recycled (or the cycle repeats) encourages the development of prediction-making, as they are able to assume what stage comes next.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, children would be able to ask and answer their own questions after observing the illustrations and reading the text. For example, if a student asked, "why are some clouds darker than others?" they would find that when clouds are thick and dark, they are holding much more water than those that are thin and wispy. This book is very informative and relevant.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to think for themselves, as they are most likely making subconscious comparisons and connections to their own experiences with the stages of the water cycle. In addition, the idea that a cycle repeats itself might allow for the students to predict which stage comes next. Overall, the book will be best utilized if the students are prompted with questions to provoke more meaningful thinking.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The science topic is appropriate to the lesson.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles. It discusses the process in which rain falls from clouds, and then the sun's heat causes the leftover water to evaporate into the air. It describes the next step, in which the water vapor condenses to form new clouds. The cycle then repeats itself when rain falls once again. The book also includes valid information about the different types of clouds, temperatures, hail, snow, and other components of the water cycle.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book is factual, so there is no need to distinguish.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are clear and accurate. They are vibrant and detailed to depict realistic images of the water cycle.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is written at the level of students grades K-4. The book would be better as a read aloud for younger audiences, but is also a good option for independent reading as their reading skills progress.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

The children in the illustrations are diverse, but there is not necessarily a multicultural component. It is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias. Although there are male and female characters, they are all drawn participating in similar activities and working together to explore the water cycle.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

Yes, the book shows the close association between science and other disciplines. It shows how the different stages of the water cycle may affect you, and it makes the text seem more relevant and applicable to a student's life.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes, the book presents a positive attitude toward science! The tone of the text is engaging, as it is presenting new information in an exciting way. There is very little technology mentioned in the book, but it does provide ideas to demonstrate different stages of the water cycle using stoves and freezers.