Ethan The Raindrop
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Ethan is a young raindrop living a very content life floating in a cloud with his brothers and sisters. But a trip over the big blue ocean brings a huge event that changes his life forever. Alerted by his brother that they are needed on the ground, young Ethan is afraid of what may be in store for him. 'What I will be? Where I will go?' asks Ethan. His brother kindly replies, 'Whether a drop of rain or a flake of snow, you'll be what you'll be, and when you know, you'll know.' Nervous and anxious, Ethan begins an incredible journey down into the vastness of the world. He discovers that even though he doesn't always have complete control over what happens, he always ends up where he's supposed to be. For fans of Pat Zietlow Miller and Kate Messner, Ethan the Raindrop: Away from Home and Back Again is an exciting tale about finding your place in the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ethan felt when he was changing throughout his journey?
How is Ethan’s journey similar to how we grow and change?
Why is it important that Ethan accepted each change he went through?
What did you learn about where rain comes from after reading this story?
If you were a raindrop like Ethan, where would you want to travel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about change by relating to Ethan’s experiences.
Discuss the water cycle explained in the book and relate it to everyday weather phenomena to spark curiosity.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of Ethan’s journey, and discuss the drawing with them.
Use the book as an opportunity to teach resilience and adaptability by discussing how Ethan embraced his transformations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Ethan the Raindrop's journey from a cloud to various forms of water symbolizes adapting to changes and new environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to new situations such as moving to a new school or meeting new friends, understanding that change is a natural part of life.
Example Lesson: Understanding the Water Cycle
Explanation: The story of Ethan transitioning through different stages of water teaches the scientific concept of the water cycle in a relatable way.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe weather patterns and identify forms of water in their surroundings, fostering a connection with nature and scientific curiosity.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Ethan's continuous cycle of change reflects persistence despite uncertainties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether it be learning a new skill or solving a tough problem.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Individuality
Explanation: Ethan's unique journey compared to other raindrops highlights the importance of individual experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate their own unique paths and qualities, recognizing that everyone has a different story and that is what makes them special.