RAHMAH THE RAINDROP

A little raindrop teaches the importance of water in this Islamic picture book.

Rahmah is a raindrop who falls from the sky and is destined to join the ocean. A strong breeze blows her off course, leading her into a forest. There, she meets a seed who needs some water to grow into a tree, a rose who requires water to rejuvenate her dehydrated petals, and a bird who is exhausted and wants water so he can fly again. Rahmah chooses to aid all of them. And when she’s afraid that she’s too tired to make it to the ocean, the bird takes her there on his back. Finally, she is united with the ocean, her destiny fulfilled. Naqvi’s sweet tale about the significant role water plays in the world is illustrated with colorful, lush artwork by Syed. Though the message about water is not inherently Muslim, the characters use Arabic phrases and references to Islam. (A helpful glossary is provided.) But some readers may be confused that the mostly unrhymed story offers random instances of verse.

A gentle tale about kindness and the huge role of water in the world.