Customer Reviews
BETWEEN THE WORDS AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS - IT WORKS WELL! 
2008-12-10
Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema is somewhat based on a folk tale from Kenya discovered and recorded by British anthropologist Claud Hellis over 70 years ago. As has been pointed out in another review, the tale as told by the folks in Kenya was quite likely not told in the same manner as the author's interpretation, but I have to admit (even though I am not usually fond of messing with the original telling of such tales) that the author has done a wonderful job here.
This is the story of a young cow herder, Ki-Pat and how he brought rain to the Kapitai Plain after a long and devastating drought. While watching over his dying cattle, an eagle feather drop and Ki-Pat, taking the feather makes an arrow and shoots it into the dark cloud that is simply not yielding rain and this takes care of the situation. Simple story yes, but the author has taken this little tale and made if very, very readable and an absolute delight. She has used a rhyming mode and used a cumulative rhyme which anyone that has ever read "The House that Jack Built" will recognize immediately. This method is extremely effective in this case.
The illustrations are quite stylized (again, something I am usually not overly fond of) and portray not only the story but the background, wildlife, family life and culture of the place and time the story took place. These well done illustration coupled with the almost hypnotic rhyme the author has used make this an exceptional read. I too listed to James Earl Jones' reading of this work on PBS and it was great. I also use this book to read to groups of children. It is a hit each and every time I read it. Now I will, rather proudly, must admit that my voice and that of James Earl Jones are quite similar, so perhaps that helps. (Yes, I do a wonderful impression of Darth Vader). Anyway, the kids love it and I do get a lot of requests for this one.
Overall, this is a well done book, both visually and to the ear. The kids love it and really, when you get right down to it, is the best endorsement for a children's book you can get.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
wonderful book! 2007-11-03
I used this book as a resource for teaching African art. My K-2 students love the pictures of the African animals and don't even realize they are "reading" as they recite the book's rhythms and rhymes along with me. Tying in art with social studies and culture is a great way to reinforce lessons! The students can't wait until Sit Tight and Read time - they all want to read this book again and again.
Second copy 2007-09-10
This was purchased so my Granddaughter could have one at her house because she loves the one at my house so much. An "old standard" that is loved for it's wonderful words and repetitions.
My Kids Love This Book! 2006-07-08
After hearing James Earl Jones read this book on Reading Rainbow, I knew I had to buy it. My two very young sons (ages 1 and 2) sat entranced the whole time. Of course that may have been because it was the voice of Darth Vader, but hey, it's a great book all on its own. My husband now reads this book to them at bedtime every night.
darth vader 2005-10-10
i saw this on reading rainbow when james earl jones narrated it. its my favorite story from the series because it shows how everything is connected, coming together to perform one action. it also inspired me to do cartoon based on how the protagonist made it rain.
Incredible Response! 2005-09-20
The story of how Ki-pat ingeniously brings rain to the arid Kapiti Plain. "Cumulative rhyming tale with the rhythm and repetition of The House That Jack Built . . . Illustrations are stylized, simple, and dramatic."--School Library Journal.
The Best Little People Book 2004-05-09
Oh my Gosh! This book is so wonderful. I read it as a kid and I have it completely memorized it from cover to cover. It sounds even better when you say it from memory to people. They are like, Whoa! I am going to buy it for my kids.
A good review. 
2002-10-23
The Bringing The Rain to Kapiti Plain, by Verna Aardema pictures by, Beatriz Vidal is about. The Kapiti Plain when there is no rainfall there and all the animals are dehydrated. Little boy's dad is sick and cannot shot the rain down form the big black cloud above the Kaptit Plain. So the little boy has to do the job for his sick dad.
I think little kids would be interested it this book because it help to understand some or little world around you. It teaches you to care for some animals and to help people that need some help.
I love this book :) 2002-01-31
I was just looking for it today (unsuccessfully), even though I'm thirteen. I love looking back on all those picture/rhyme books, and this has to be one of my favorites. It's one of those books that is meant to be read aloud! The words roll off your tounge. The pictures are rather amusing, too.
Kapiti wasn't a plain in my neck 2001-10-23
This book was a nice book and I will like to read it again.
I like that the good writer added alot of detail's and the birad
drop a father on kapiti plane and drought.
