Mélina Mangal writes picture books, biographies, and short stories that focus on connections with nature and culture. She is the coauthor, with Sun Yung Shin, of the Minnesota Book Award finalist Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, named One of the Best Children’s Books of the Year by Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature. Mélina also wrote The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award, and Jayden’s Impossible Garden, named a Blueberry Honor book for inspiring love of nature and action for planet earth. Mélina is the author of the nature-based board book series Outside Our Window, which encourages children―especially those in urban neighborhoods―to explore, protect, and delight in nature. Mélina lives in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Rain Falls (Outside Our Window Board Books)
Join cousins Kamali and Josiah in exploring the sensations of walking in the rain.
In Rain Falls, two young children, guided by an adult, take an autumn walk through a city neighborhood, splashing in puddles and squishing through mud. They notice how the rain changes everything around them―the ground is soaked, the leaves are soggy, and raindrops dance all around. But rain doesn’t last forever. When the sun begins to peek out from behind the clouds, they enjoy feeling the warm sunshine on their smiling faces. Rain brings rainbows and makes the world sparkle and shine.
Rain Falls:
- Nurtures Early Learning Skills: From raindrops to the sun peeking out from behind the clouds, children learn about the changes in weather and nature, and how rain comes and goes.
- Relatable Language for Little Learners: Simple text and vivid illustrations are used throughout the toddler book to help little ones connect to nature in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
- Includes Helpful Tips for Parents & Caregivers: This children’s book features additional guidance and engaging toddler activities to help children learn more about how rain transforms their own neighborhoods.
Outside Our Window Board Books Series: This book is part of the Outside Our Window Board Books series, which encourages children―especially those in urban environments―to explore, protect, and delight in nature. Each book in the series focuses on one feature of the natural world (like rain), one sense (touch), and one communication or relationship skill (change and flexibility). The books emphasize community and encourage children and families to explore the natural world around them.
“Wonderful presentation!” — Minnesota Children’s Book Fest Participant, 2026
