THE RAINSTICK: A FABLE

Riddles, myths, history, traditions, and an ancient instrument of West Africa are the inspiration behind this new classic, first published almost 20 years ago, with sales in excess of 44,000 copies. In this story from West Africa, the village storyteller inspires the chief's son to begin a quest for rain to end the recent drought. In traveling from the dry savannah to the rain forest he must solve the riddle, "a slender staff touches earth and sky at the same time," in order to bring rain back to his home. Included are directions to make a rainstick and extensive bibliography.

A young boy’s quest to save his village takes him on a mysterious journey from the Western Africa’s hot, dry savanna to the moist, comforting rain forest. Travel with him and solve the riddle: A slender staff touches earth and sky at the same time. You will encounter languid lions, a crafty crocodile, and a brilliant bird on your way to discover the place of the rain.
Riddles, myths, history, traditions, and an ancient instrument of West Africa are the inspiration behind The Rainstick: A Fable. This enchanting story is enriched by full-color illustrations that bring the landscape of this beautiful region to life.
Discover the wonder of rainsticks when you create your own with the easy-to-follow instructions at the end of the story. When you slowly turn your rainstick end to end, listen for the sound of the rain. What stories do you hear?

Sandra Chisholm Robinson is the author of sixteen storybooks, novels, and works of nonfiction. She has received numerous accolades for her writing, including several Association for Educational Publishers awards. Her first book, The Last Bit Bear: A Fable, was originally published in 1984 and remains in print today. It has been called “a classic of environmental literature for children.” Sandra earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in science education from Montana State University in 2004. She served as a park ranger in Everglades National Park in Florida and Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming, and she worked for the Project WET Foundation for more than a decade. Sadly, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, Sandra passed away in June 2011. Her legacy lives on in those whom she helped educate and in the many fond memories of her family, friends, and colleagues past and present.

Born and raised in Texas, Peter Grosshauser began illustrating stories and drawing comics at an early age. As long as he can remember, he wanted to be an illustrator. The Rainstick was his first book, and he went on to work for such clients as Klutz Books, Highlights, and McDonald’s. Peter’s work has been recognized by the Association of Educational Publishers, the Independent Publisher Awards, the Houston Society of Illustrators, and the Addys. Peter lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, with his family.