Simple yet effective introduction to the water cycle. I could see myself reading this book in my preschool STEM storytime to explain precipitation. I also really enjoyed the illustrations, absolutely beautiful and highlights the diversity of different biomes in the world. The last page excites curiosity by circling back to the diversity in the world, while also explaining more about the water cycle when the child is ready to learn more. Very beautiful book!

This was such a cute book. It showed the water cycle in a way that was simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers to understand, and flowed very well being read out loud. The illustrations were well done as well. Overall, a great story.

What a glorious book for EYFS students. It is beautifully written and fittingly illustrated with dreamy watercolour paintings. It is a bit scanty on the information side but that is to be expected for a target readership of that age.

Favourite Scene:
For illustrations, the animals - the heron, the deer, the flying birds, the cows! I love the illustrator’s line work and use of colours/shades.
For text, the last page - made me wish it was raining right now and that I could put on my boots.

Enjoyment Rating: FOUR STARS
The nature illustrations brought this one home for me. I keep going back to look at them.
Weak Points: I am a cold climate snob, but snow is not simply frozen rain (that would be sleet). In this book ‘rain’ seems more like a substitute word for ‘water,’ so it isn’t a big deal, just a personal hang-up.

Ponder Rating: FOUR STARS
This made me FEEL how beautiful water is. Hopefully it does the same for kids!

Conclusion: I appreciated a digestible presentation of the water cycle (a great first introduction), made into a lovely experience by the captivating illustrations (especially the nature scenes!).

Such a special book about the cycle of water, with excellent depictions and good prose. This is both informative and meditative and can be enjoyed by younger and older audiences alike.

This is a really well-done children's book about the water cycle. The title "It Starts With A Raindrop" shows what the story will be talking about, and makes it feel interesting so kids will want to learn more. The descriptions/story and illustrations throughout are beautifully done. They work together to bring the complexities of the water system into an understandable process for children. The illustrations are really well done, and will keep kids hooked as they consider what this process looks like. Having the non-fiction section at the end was also helpful--kids can have some interesting facts to support what they just learned in the story!