Rain: questions to ask and activities to try
Rain is coming to the savannah, and every animal senses it in a different way. Rain is a bold, beautiful book about the five senses and the rhythm of nature.
What age is it for? Rain is best for ages 2–6. Good for: The five senses, and rain on the savannah.
Read it on a rainy day if you can, and match each animal to a sense. Afterwards, go outside and use all five senses together.
What it helps with
- The five senses
- Weather and seasons
- Animals of the African savannah
- Noticing the world around us
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Which animal smelled the rain?”
- “Who saw the lightning?”
- “Who heard the thunder?”
- “Who felt the first drops?”
- “What happened when the sun came back?”
- “How do you know when it’s going to rain?”
5-minute activities to try together
Five senses walk
On a walk, find one thing you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste (safely!).
Rain music
Make rain sounds by tapping fingers, then clapping, then stamping, like a storm.
Free printables: Rain worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Because of an Acorn (Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon)
- Best for
- How everything in nature is connected
- Age
- 3-7
Hot Hippo (Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway)
- Best for
- Keeping promises, and a traditional-style animal tale
- Age
- 3-7
Handa's Surprise (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise
- Age
- 2-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.