The Rhythm of the Rain by Grahame Baker Smith
Background
Written and illustrated by the hugely talented (and lovely) Grahame Baker Smith
Themes: Adventure, environment, curiosity,
Why it's a hit: This stunning picture book is perfect for teaching the topic of anything water related. It explores the global life cycle of water and weather, reminding readers that small actions and experiences are always a crucial part of the bigger picture; that we all belong to the world, as much as a drop of rain, a blue whale and the ocean itself.
Cross-curricular links: Science (Water Cycle) Geography (Rivers)
Perfect for: All age groups, but especially children aged 5-9.
Published by: Templar Publishing
Personal experience
I first discovered this book in 2022 when I was teaching the topic of Rivers to my year 4 class and wasn't too excited by the current stories up for grabs on our scheme of work. I used the amazing website books for topics who suggested this little stunner. When it arrived, I immediately got excited. Firstly, the illustrations are some of the most beautiful I've ever come across and they never disappoint in the classroom! Secondly, the story is such a perfect blend between fiction and non-fiction that I can teach the topic of rivers/water cycle really well through this book. I actually emailed Grahame not too long ago asking permission to use some of his images from this book and I couldn't have had a lovelier response. Since then, I've become a grade A Grahame Baker Smith fan and will be reviewing his other books in my upcoming blog.
Before reading
I love the title of this book. So much so that I love to play rain sounds when I introduce it and just get the children to simply listen to the sounds of the rain. While the rain sounds are playing, I'll reveal the front cover of the book with the title blurred out (a favourite of mine) so we can play - what's the name of our new text? We'll spend time discussing what we can see on the front cover and we'll share any background knowledge/experience. Some of my favourite title guesses so far are....
- We hear the rain
- Rain songs of the world
- Pitter Patter River River
The big read
I like to read this book across two sessions. The story itself is like a poem. It flows like the rhythm of water running from rivers into oceans. I just love it. My class always love this book too - I once had nearly all my class go out to buy their own copy just to admire the beauty of it in the comfort of their own homes. I like to keep the rain sounds on as I read it and I always make a copy of it to put on my interactive whiteboard for all to see. I love to explore the language in this book also - my working walls are always covered in words and phrases from this book. I also love how there's a lovely blend between technical and descriptive language.
The pictures
They're just stunning, I really do envy people with this level of talent because I'm just not very artistic. It's stick people for me. The images from this book are often used in my writing sessions as a stimulus. One of my favourite pictures is the winding river, painted over a lovely double page spread. I like to use this to create a trusty setting description. We'll spend time analysing the picture, thinking about the 5 senses and then we'll write the setting description from the perspective of someone sailing in a boat vs someone flying in the hot air balloon. The comparisons are always lovely
Writing sessions
Writing sessions on this text take approximately 10 days (2 weeks) but I can easily spread them to 3 weeks in my Year 4 class!
One of my favourite lines in the book is 'The ocean has many moods.' We spent time discussing what moods/feelings an ocean might feel. One child suggested how the ocean might feel "joy and happiness that it can provide a home for all kinds of creatures" when another commented how an ocean might feel "angry that rubbish is dumped in it every day." This led us to having some really interesting debates about life then leading onto our main writing piece - a report about how pollution is affecting our oceans.
Other short writing opportunities included adding speech into the text since there isn't any. There's a wonderful image of Issac (the main character) standing in a boat. We spent a writing session discussing what he might be thinking, what he would say to himself or what he might say to the little goat character that joins him on his journey. Then we looked at what Cassi might be saying to herself when she sees rain she's been desperate for. This led us onto taking a little class vote on who appreciates the water more - Cassi who hasn't drank in days or Issac who finds comfort and enjoyment in it.
We also created some poems (of course) and a lovely pen pal letter to Cassi.
To conclude..
A clever story, beautiful pictures, endless links to geography - a superb addition to any classroom.
If you're interested in using this book in your classroom and would like some planning resources, please check out my resource page :)