When Rain Falls

We go inside when the rain comes down, but where do animals go? That depends on the kind of animal and where it lives. Bees hide in hives and ants stay safe in underground nests. Squirrels pull their long bushy tails over their heads like umbrellas. Caterpillars crawl under leaves. Using clear, simple language, When Rain Falls offers young readers a lyrical look at how animals living in forests, fields, wetlands, and deserts behave during a rainstorm.

Research Notes

“The original idea for this book traces all the way back to 1996, when I saw a documentary called Microcosmos. Using tiny fiber optic cameras, the filmmakers allowed moviegoers to view the world from the perspective of ants and caterpillars, snails and frogs, and other small creatures. In one memorable sequence, ladybugs and water striders battle “giant” rain drops during a midsummer thunderstorm.

"Rain seems harmless to us, but it can seriously injure these little insects. It’s easy for us to take shelter when rain falls, but most animals don’t have that luxury. I began to wonder what they did during the rain. As I researched, I found some great stories, and I’ve included my favorite ones in this book.”

Reviews

"When rain falls, children go indoors, but what do the animals do? A simple text and gentle watercolor illustrations, organized by habitat, reveal how in forests, fields, wetlands and deserts 22 different species respond. ... the information, though simple, is accurate [and] should appeal to very young listeners curious about the natural world."

—Kirkus Reviews