Connecting Stories, Systems, Creativity, and Community for Real-World Impact

Books & Author Visits
Storytelling has the power to create connection, curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Through children’s books, author visits, environmental literacy programming, and cross-cultural storytelling, herARTS in Action creates educational experiences that help readers better understand their communities, the environment, and the world around them.

Our books are designed to spark conversation, encourage creativity, and connect storytelling with real-world learning through interactive programming, discussion, and community engagement.


Only Rain Down the Drain
A Story About Water, Community, and Environmental Stewardship
Only Rain Down the Drain is a children’s book by Sarah Drake that follows Reva the raindrop as she journeys from the clouds into stormdrains, rivers, and lakes—helping children understand how stormwater systems work and how everyday actions impact the environment.

Combining storytelling, collage art, and environmental education, the book introduces readers to concepts including watersheds, pollution prevention, community responsibility, and environmental stewardship in ways that are accessible, creative, and engaging.

The book was inspired by stormwater and community art initiatives, including a stormdrain mural project in St Cloud, Minnesota. Much of the book was written while working in the DC area and includes inspiration from a stormdrain mural project in Prince George’s County.

Available Programming & Author Visits
  • Interactive book readings
  • Environmental literacy workshops
  • Stormwater and watershed education
  • Mixed media and collage art activities
  • School and library visits
  • Community and family engagement programming

Testimonial
“By following Reva the raindrop from the clouds to storm drains and into rivers and lakes, Sarah Drake gives children a clear view of how water systems actually work... Through vivid storytelling and imagery, this thoughtful book connects community, environment, and identity, inviting young readers to see how their actions can help protect the world they inherit.”
— Lee Hawkins, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of I Am Nobody’s Slave


“Only Rain Down the Drain is a beautifully crafted book that brings together striking collage artwork and a powerful, real-world message. It’s both engaging and quietly impactful—reminding us how small, everyday actions can shape the world around us.”
~Natacha Karam, Actress (The Brave, 9-1-1: Lone Star) and Teaching Artist, Creativity Crew


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Nanou’s Promise Series
Stories Inspired by Burkina Faso, Community, and Access
The three book Nanou’s Promise series was inspired by Sarah Drake’s volunteer work in Burkina Faso through herARTS in Action supporting initiatives connected to clean water, sanitation, literacy, and education.

Through storytelling rooted in global community experiences, the series introduces children to themes of friendship, perseverance, cultural connection, access to education, and the importance of clean water and community support. The books reflect real experiences and relationships developed through volunteerism, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives supporting women, children, and families.

Themes & Learning Connections
  • Global storytelling and cultural understanding
  • Clean water and sanitation awareness
  • Literacy and education access
  • Community engagement and volunteerism
  • Creativity and resilience

Programming Opportunities
Programming connected to the Nanou’s Promise series may include:
  • Author visits and readings
  • Global education discussions
  • Cultural storytelling workshops
  • Art and literacy activities
  • Community engagement programming​ ​

​Other Published Works
In addition to children’s books and educational storytelling, Sarah Drake’s writing includes journal articles, essays, educational content, creative nonfiction, interdisciplinary writing, and community-centered storytelling exploring themes of creativity, environment, identity, systems, culture, access, and human connection.

Her published work reflects an ongoing commitment to using storytelling and creative communication to make complex topics more accessible, relational, and engaging across educational, artistic, environmental, and community contexts.

Areas of writing may include:
  • Environmental education
  • Arts integration
  • Community engagement
  • Global and cross-cultural experiences
  • Creativity and storytelling
  • Systems and human connection
  • Reflective and creative nonfiction

Editorial & Collaborative Projects
In progress writings include:
  • memoir collaboration
  • exhibition publications
  • oral history/storytelling projects
  • curatorial publications
  • community storytelling initiatives


​Bring herARTS in Action to Your Community
Bulk pricing is available for schools, organizations, libraries, and educational programs. Educator guides, discussion materials, and customized programming options are also available.

Author readings, residencies, and projects may be customized based on age group, audience, goals, timeline, and community needs.

Mileage applies for programming located more than 30 minutes from St. Cloud, Minnesota. Depending on the scope and location of the engagement, travel fees may include mileage, lodging, flights, meals, and related expenses.

To inquire about programming, please visit the Contact page or email: [email protected].