Pupils’ water tale A Raindrop Falls

Children from St Mark and All Saints, Godalming, have helped created a new children’s book A Raindrop Falls, inspiring us all to protect our water resources

Godalming school children have been exploring the journey of water from source to sea as part of their work for a new book A Raindrop Falls. 

The children’s book celebrates the beauty and fragility of the Surrey Hills watercourses in the project funded by the Surrey Hills National Landscape which brings together conservation, creativity and community to inspire a better future for our rivers. 

Pupils from St Mark and All Saints C of E Primary School co-created the book alongside author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey. 

Over the course of seven workshops, both in the classroom and out in the field, they explored the journey of water, translating their learning into poetry and illustrations that fill the pages of the book. 

Down once more I tumble,  

Splashing free of sorrow.  

Make the water blue again, 

The rain will drop tomorrow… 

 – Children’s chorus from A Raindrop Falls 

The children physically traced the River Tillingbourne from its source near Abinger Common through Gomshall, Shere, and Shalford, where it joins the River Wey. Along the way, they learned to identify plant and animal species, studied river characteristics from upstream to estuary, and conducted water quality monitoring – testing for pH, nitrates, phosphates, and aquatic life. This hands-on experience was part of a wider citizen science initiative led by the River Wey Trust and Zero Carbon Guildford, empowering young people to understand the impact of human, agricultural, and industrial activity on river health. 

Author Lucy said: “It’s been such a privilege working with the children to create A Raindrop Falls. Katie and I have been blown away by their imagination, creativity and care for the natural world – and by their determination to be part of a brighter future for our rivers. We hope they’re super proud of their beautiful creation as it shines out from the shelves!” 

Through poetic writing and illustration workshops, the children transformed their scientific observations into a narrative which not only educates but uplifts. A Raindrop Falls is a call to action and a celebration of the Surrey Hills landscape, ecology, and the power of young voices. Children were presented with copies of their book by Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council, at the launch event in November. 

Copies are available at Surrey libraries, and the book can be bought at all good book stores, with proceeds going to charity.  

This book is the second Surrey Hills book co-created with Lucy and Katie, the first being The Thousand Year Tree.  

Share