Published: 2023
Author: Susan Justice | Illustrator: Lena Bardy
Genre: Picture Book / Realistic Fiction / Global Awareness
Audience: Pre-K–Grade 5
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: Children Who Dance in the Rain
Themes: Gratitude, Privilege, Resilience, Empathy, Global Citizenship.
Publisher’s Summary
Acclaimed as the Children’s Book of the Year, a captivating tale that cultivates empathy, nurtures self-confidence, and inspires an attitude of appreciation in young minds. Help foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and social skills by introducing children to diverse perspectives, experiences, and a sense of gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Join Sophie, a young girl whose world was previously limited to the captivating glow of her iPad. This changes dramatically when she embarks on an extraordinary journey to the mesmerizing land of India, a place she knows only from storybooks. She encounters children from a humble mud colony in India’s vibrant, colourful expanse. These children, despite their scarcity of possessions, carry an abundant joy that confounds and fascinates Sophie. Their deep-seated gratitude for life’s little treasures ignites a spark in Sophie, setting her on a path of transformative self-discovery and wanting to make a difference in the world. Children Who Dance in the Rain is more than just a story―it’s an intimate journey of self-realization and growth. What Sophie unravels in this enchanting land could change not just her perspective, but also how you perceive your world. In this enchanting tale, Sophie’s transformation is profound. She learns to acknowledge and appreciate her own blessings―loving parents, a safe environment, and abundant resources. Sophie’s journey is a testament that happiness isn’t hinged on having ‘more’ but on the value we assign to what we already have. Sophie’s journey helps us understand that our true wealth isn’t measured by material possessions but by the gratitude we hold in our hearts. Through a revelation that opens her eyes wide, Sophie discovers that life extends far beyond the confines of her iPad screen. She harnesses a newfound confidence, realizing she has the potential to do so much more, to make a real difference in the world. True to one of its core themes about giving back, 100% percent of net proceeds from every fourth copy of Children Who Dance in the Rain will go to charities such as Save The Children, GiveWell and Bright Sparks School in Mohali, India, who are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
“Discover the magic of kindness, diversity, and empathy in this socially conscious picture book.” – ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review “An inspiring and instructive introduction for readers to ideas about privilege and social justice.” – The Children’s Book Review “5 Stars! Beautifully told. With vivid, intriguing word choices and mesmerizing illustrations. This story is a feast for the eyes!” – Readers’ Favorite Award Review “A narrative that will take young readers to another world…” – Kirkus Book Review “A delightful children’s book that is infused with spirituality and culture.” – Literary Titan “Children Who Dance in the Rain’s importance in connecting ideas of first-world privilege with third-world realities makes for a powerful story… encouraging insights about economics, kindness, privilege, and sharing.” – Midwest Book Review
Full Review
“Stunning” and “impactful” are the first words that come to mind. The story follows Sophie, a girl who doesn’t initially recognize her privileged life. She has a house, food, and her favorite possession: her iPad. While she learns about “privilege” in school, the concept doesn’t truly click until she visits her grandmother in India.
Sophie is shocked by the lack of constant electricity and internet. She befriends Nanaki, a young girl who works at a very young age to care for her brother because they have no parents. Sophie’s perspective shifts radically when she sees Nanaki’s mud house. When it begins to rain, the village children run outside to dance, showing Sophie that they are “friends of the moon” who play with stars instead of toys. When Sophie offers Nanaki her iPad, she is humbled when Nanaki asks if she can trade it for medicine and food instead of using it for games. This experience leads Sophie to a life of service, eventually becoming a doctor to help the underprivileged.
Illustrator Lena Bardy should be celebrated for her vibrant, colorful pictures that bring warmth and an emotional connection to the story. This book is a true testament to learning how to be grateful and the power of resilience.
🌏 Understanding Global Wealth and Privilege
The book helps children visualize the “Global Wealth Gap” and the difference between wants and needs. Sophie’s journey represents a shift from a consumer-focused mindset to a human-focused one.
- Relative Privilege: Sophie realizes that her “basic” things (electricity, education, safety) are luxuries to others.
- Resilience: Nanaki’s ability to find joy in the rain despite her hardships demonstrates high emotional resilience—the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Resource Allocation: The iPad exchange highlights the difference in utility; for Sophie, it is entertainment; for Nanaki, it is a life-saving currency.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Social Studies (Global Awareness & Culture):
- Activity Idea: “A Day in the Life” Comparison. Create a T-chart. On one side, list Sophie’s daily routine in the U.S. (school, iPad, warm bed). On the other, list Nanaki’s routine (working, fetching medicine, dancing in the rain). Discuss the “push and pull” factors of their different environments.
- Social-Emotional Learning (Gratitude Journaling):
- Activity Idea: “Beyond the Screen.” Have students list three things they are grateful for that do not require electricity or money. Like the children in the rain, encourage them to find “treasures” in nature.
- ELA (Perspective & Character Growth):
- Activity Idea: Write a letter from “Doctor Sophie” (the adult version) back to her younger self. What would she say about that first trip to India? How did Nanaki change the course of her entire life?
- Art & Symbolic Colors:
- Activity Idea: Lena Bardy uses vibrant colors to show joy in a place of scarcity. Have students paint a scene using “Joyful Colors” (bright pinks, yellows, oranges) to represent a happy memory that didn’t involve toys or technology.
