What Can Rain Do?

"Rain brings much needed moisture back to the Earth’s surface as a part of the continuous water cycle, and its presence is critical to the survival of both plants and animals alike. Whether filling lakes, nourishing living things, or changing the landscape, rain impacts the world in memorable, and sometimes dramatic, ways. This beginning nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to the concept of rain from a variety of directions. Utilizing straightforward text punctuated by relevant, complex vocabulary, the narrative connects readers to the many things rain can do. The length of the text makes the book best suited to confident elementary school-aged readers, but the full-color photographs included within the book appeal to a wide range of ages. Designed as a series of short vignettes, the book focuses on individual elements of rain on each spread, which feels a bit more disjointed than a more narrative-focused book. However, this design allows young readers to absorb one concept at a time before moving on to the next, which encourages learning with each turn of the page. Important nonfiction elements like a glossary and a table of contents are included in the book, making it feel more advanced for young learners. These features, coupled with a guide for approaching nonfiction, can help young readers feel more confident when transitioning to this kind of informative text. This is a positive addition to the What Can Weather Do? series, and it is a good selection for young readers who are interested in learning about the many impacts of rain."
--@MaryLanniReads, May 29, 2026