The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall

by Kirsti Call

How many times do you try before you give up? This is the question that little Plink considers after failing to fall repeatedly. This story helps 3 to 8 year old children understand that learning to do things is not always easy and sometimes it takes the support and love of others to succeed.

The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall is a story for young readers based on the idea that changing your thought patterns can change the outcome of events in your life. The main character, Plink, is unable to fall from her cloud until she changes the way she thinks about falling and starts to believe in her abilities.

The book is peppered with fun facts about the water cycle, cloud formation, and the science of rainbows (among other facts), offering an age-appropriate introduction to science. Includes supplementary material for parents and/or teachers, author/illustrator bios, and a glossary.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Kirsti Call is the co-host of the Picture Book Look Podcast and hosts the COACHING FOR CREATIVES podcast. She’s a critique ninja for 12×12, a blogger for Writers’ Rumpus, and she’s judged the CYBILS award for fiction picture books since 2015. She’s the author of MOOTILDA’S BAD MOOD (Little Bee), COW SAYS MEOW (HMH) and COLD TURKEY (Little Brown), THE BIG SCREAM and SMARTY ANTS (Capstone, August 2023). Kirstine has an MSW from Boston College and is represented by Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story of perseverance. The story is well-paced and fun. As a plus, there are side-bars and back matter covering the water cycle and fun extra activities relating to the story. My kids love to hear this one over and over.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels a little odd to rate my own book, but I happen to like Plink and her story especially because Plink is the one who made me an author!

[Shelley Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book and happy I do. It's a sweet story of poor little Plink who is having a hard time falling. I love how the problem is resolved. Creatively written and illustrated. I also appreciate the educational side notes on some of the pages.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall is the story of Plink, a young raindrop who dreams of falling from the sky to water the flowers, and even someday to become part of a beautiful rainbow. But sadly, no matter how hard she tries, she just can't seem to fall from the clouds. Finally, she goes to her grandmother who helps her understand that when the time is right, she will be able to achieve her dreams.

Author Kirsti Call has crafted a heartwarming story that will appeal to youngsters who all can relate to wanting to do something that is challenging. She touches on the frustrations kids feel, along with the joy of finally achieving one's goals. Illustrations by Lisa M. Griffin are expressive and delightfully charming.

Side notes on the science of rain are a nice addition to this book which also includes a glossary and projects in the back. This is a book young children will want to read again and again.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Raindrop Who Couldn’t Fall is a charming book filled with bright, cheerful illustrations. I never knew a raindrop could be so cute, soft, puffy and plump! Even Plink’s grandmother is adorable in her spectacles. Plink really wants to float down from the clouds like all the other raindrops, but she’s too afraid. The story shows young children how sometimes you just have to keep trying. An added bonus are attractive information tags inserted every other spread or so. These additions explain different aspects of water (such as evaporation, condensation, and rainbows) in clear, easy language. And the back matter, filled with a glossary, recipe, crafts, and a game, keeps the fun going. Overall, a wonderful combination of fiction and nonfiction about the magic of raindrops!

[Carrie Charley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small children need help dealing with their feelings, and Little Plink is the perfect character to help them learn how! In this story, a young raindrop is determined to achieve and willing to learn. But, no matter what she tries, she cannot fall to the ground! Plink teaches young children to ask for help, persist, work hard, maintain a positive attitude, use coping skills, and defeat self-doubt. When a child's world is evaporating, Plink's message will shine through: Heavy clouds bring healing rain... Great success can come from failure! Soft, beautiful illustrations compliment Plink's character and world, and urge us to cheer for little Plink even harder!

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Review for Company

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! Great message; vivid, descriptive language; and I love the puffy marshmallow raindrop, Plink.

[Paul Czajak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! The illustrations are vivid, which my daughter especially loves. And the science facts sprinkled within the story are a huge hit with both my kids.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book manages to make the reader care about the characters and learn how the water cycle works--quite a feat! It's charming, too.