Catching the Rain

Just before I sat down to read The Rain Harvesters by Sylvia Sikundar and Stephen Aitken, I had turned in the draft for an article on droughts and greenhouse gas emissions. During the research for my article, I had spoken to scientists who explained that drought not only translates to an absence of water but also vastly alters soil conditions, making it impossible for people who live in the area and depend on the land to go about their lives as usual. About ten days after these despairing discussions, I found myself encountering the very same issues in this children’s book about the woes of the Chelo family grappling with drought in their village Shaktipur.

Sister-brother duo Sunita and Rakesh Chelo’s dogged efforts to protect their grandmother’s vegetable garden from the ruthless claws of drought take centre stage here. A chance encounter with harvested rainwater leads the siblings down the path of water conservation. Parents, grandparents and pets tag along, making the garden a thriving example for the entire village.

Sikundar and Aitken pepper the children’s adventures with equal doses of reality, making this a well-rounded narrative that encourages its readers to explore more. For example, at one point in the book, Sunita and Rakesh’s mother says: The problem with a drought is that the soil gets so dry, it blows away in the wind, leaving behind only sand. In another part, a member of the agriculture department shares: At the Experimental Farm, we are studying some new drought-resistant crops, but we have a lot of research left to do. The future does not look good for local farmers. The writers also touch upon the dilemma that farmers face when they are cornered into selling their barren land, having run out of options. On a lighter note, if you are looking for innovative pet names, The Rain Harvesters gives you enough fodder to get started. Anyone up for ‘Jalebi’?

The book has delightful illustrations by Stephen Aitken, which bring the Chelo family and its interesting pets to life. However, I do wish there were a few more illustrations to show Shaktipur’s verdant transformation. The activity sheets at the end of the book are an added bonus for curious readers.

Part of a brand-new series that aims to introduce young readers to crucial environmental issues, The Rain Harvesters joins a league of books where children are not mere bystanders but active members of the global community fighting against the climate crisis. Between water-starved cities and soaring temperatures, the world of Shaktipur does not seem far removed from the world children everywhere inhabit. As Sikundar mentions in the author’s note, even the wells in the small island off the west coast of Canada where she resides are drying up.

Despite the grave topic, Sikundar and Aitken create a world of hope through a simple story of a family and a community that believes in the power of good. Together, they present a book that is insightful and engaging, and makes you want to peek into and marvel at the nearest rainwater harvesting pit. ‘Chelo’ now, all that’s left is for you to pick up the book and experience this world for yourself!