This is a fun children's book that serves both as an educational tool and encourage children to not be afraid of new things. First, for the educational part, children learn about the cycle of rain and its importance for earth. But, my favorite part, is the encouragement the little rain drop gets from his father to be brave and fall from the sky. I love how the raindrop learn how fun it is to take a chance.

Overall I really loved this story. You are given gifts to bless others with. The line "give of yourself" did rub me a bit wrong and gave me Rainbow Fish Vibes (for other to like you give everything away) but by the time I finished the book it was made clear that was not the authors intended purpose. I gave it 4 stars mainly because of that line. The illustrations were gorgeous; great work! Thanks for a digital copy to review!

Such a cute story about braveness and change being something to look forward to and embraced. Greta for an ece classroom or anything having to do with a child transitioning

I'm such a huge fan of Julia Cook so I was thrilled to learn that I would be able to read and review Don't Be Afraid to Drop. Readers are invited to follow along as Hopp learns to bravely take risks. While each page is covered in beautiful art, the storyline has such a powerful message. As a school counselor, I've read this to several grade levels and appreciate that this book is beneficial to all age levels.

Don't be Afraid to Drop is a story to engage children in thinking about transitions and risks. The idea of having a rain drop who is afraid to fall from the cloud is a nice analogy but I'm not sure young children will identify with a raindrop who has a purpose in life to help the crops grow. There are some nice touches in the book as the raindrop discovers that once he lets go he can find excitement and happiness. I felt it was a little long. The tips for supporting children with transitions at the end of the book are helpful for parents and a nice addition.

Don’t be afraid to drop is an excellent children’s book that illustrates the ability of everyone to accept challenges in their lives. The small raindrops doesn’t want to leave his father or his happy home. He’s quite content to not take any risk or change anything. His father continues to encourage him and eventually he takes the fall.

He realizes that his purpose is to help others and that overcoming his fears has allowed him to do just that. This is a story of facing things you don’t want to try and working up the courage to do it anyway.

I would recommend this book to help kids learn about looking at a more hopeful side to risks and challenges.

This book works quite well and once the reader gets the cadence down it flows pretty smoothly. I like the message a lot, and it reminds me of Oh the Places You’ll Go. It says try new things and I like that message a lot.

This was a lovely rhyming story about a little raindrop being scared to drop out of the sky. The little raindrop finally plucked up the courage after lots of encouragement from his dad and was very pleased he had taken the risk to try something new. Lots of helpful messages about being brave, trying new things and helping others that can be shared with children. My Reception class would love this story and my own children (aged 2 and 6) enjoyed it too. Thank you netgalley for this advanced copy.

A parable about change for kids. How sometimes going out to fulfill our lives purposes isn't easy, in fact it's risky, but it's necessary to live a full life. The way this lesson is framed is so cute and the illustrations are very fun.

Don’t Be Afraid to Drop by Julia Cook

9781937870799

32 Pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues / Independent Book Publishers Association
Release Date: January 7, 2021

Fiction (Children’s), Change, Emotions, Anxiety, Feelings

This book is about a raindrop getting ready for his first drop. He is nervous and is afraid. His father gives him encouragement. What an excellent book to explain changes to children especially now with all the uncertainty in the world. Although this book is labeled for children, the message of change and anxiety can be shared with any age. I think the book is brilliant and the artwork is so sweet.

This picture book follows a little raindrop on a journey outside of his comfort zone. This story doubles as a message to kids to have courage to try new experiences as well as a lesson about the water cycle. I liked the bond shown between the rain drop and his father, and I liked that it balanced new experiences with familiar. This was an adorable read!

While the raindrop metaphor breaks down at a certain point, it's still a charming story that uses a cute image to communicate its theme. I personally found its main character particularly interesting since I've seen similar raindrop characters used in local campaigns about saving water in drought seasons.

The poems and visuals of this book were really sweet. Change is a difficult subject to talk about because it makes everyone uncomfortable, so this book was a light and warm way to build that safe space to help kids "get their feet wet" in talking about taking risks. The main characters of this book were a father and son, and it really helped illustrate to parents the power of being consistent to help alleviate a child's anxiety about change. The end of the book also gives parents some useful tips for having these conversations. I would definitely recommend this to parents of children with anxiety!

(9 year old girl) Trying something new and different might be scary. But you have to take risks and try something new even though it might scary.

This is a sweet story about a little raindrop who’s afraid to leave his home and drop into the big world below him. His father gently explains how the little raindrop can impact the world in a positive way. He acknowledges the little drop's feelings and encourages him to take the plunge (literally). Good for classroom discussions about how to build up the courage to face challenges and leave comfort zones.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Cook (author) and Anna Laura Sullivan Illustrator) for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't Be Afraid to Drop is the story of Hopp, a little raindrop, and his mission to share his gifts on Earth. At first, he is afraid, but after encouragement from his father, he drops and achieves his mission.

This is a short read - perfect for a bedtime story, or a discussion book with a child from preschool age up. It also
made me think about my older teen son getting ready to go out into the world on his own.

The illustrations are engaging and the book rhymes, which is often difficult for an author to do. I didn't get too tongue twisted, so that was good.

My four-year-old paid attention throughout the book and got the main point of the book "don't be afraid."

We rate this book a solid 3 stars. We were provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

Genre: Children's Fiction

Description:

What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go?

Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him.

“You have so many gifts to share with the world,
so many dreams to live.
Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud.
Discover the ways you can give.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There’s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!

Pros:

- The art is beautiful.
- Kept children's attention.
- Good lesson.
- Fun rhyming with a great flow.

Cons:

- None!

Would I recommend it?

Yes!

This was a super cute story. It teaches the lesson of taking chances and does so it a super cute way.

I wish we had this book available on the first day of my niece's kindergarten. For every child - the first day at kindergarten, at school ... anything, they have not experienced before, comes with fear of the unknown.

This book uses the metaphor of a little raindrop that feels so cosy and safe up there, on the cloud - that it does not want to drop and go down to earth. The raindrop's father shares how it will be able to change life for plants, animals, human beings ... if it tries out this new adventure.

What a wonderful way to support children at the very moment of their fear of the unknown.

When little drop is afraid to drop. Learns he what he needs to be able to drop.which is different emotions and coping skills. He learns that change can be positive.

I found this book to be helpful in teaching children about “falling” or changing. How it copy with those big emotions.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***.