Children's Literature
- Amy S. Hansen
Part of the "Explore Your World" series, Yasuda takes young readers on a wild water ride. "Can you guess who I am?" she writes in the introduction. "I have been here since Earth began. I splash and spill. I drip and drop. You use me, play in me, and drink me...Can you guess who I am? Water!" This energetic book looks at where we find water, the water cycle, water and weather, water works—including waterpower—water pollution and conservation, and water in art. The writing is clear and enticing. The 25 projects have a variety of levels of difficulty. For example, the waterfall sculpture could be made by any age child, while young children building the hair hygrometer might need adult help with the logistics. The illustrations are fun. Since water is so central to the book, the illustrator chose to make a droplet into a cartoon character, with glasses and a quirky smile. Another admirable part is Yasuda's many short sidebars including one called "Meet a Scientist." She highlights at least five different scientists who are connected with water. Many students will enjoy this book as they learn water basics. Backmatter includes glossary, list of resources and index. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen
School Library Journal
Gr 1–4—It's impossible to read this book and not turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Children will come away with obscure facts and broad understandings about this vital resource. The water cycle and weather are explored, as are hydropower and forms of irrigation. Frequent insets include definitions of words set in bold in nearby text, names of scientists and a discovery they made, jokes, lists of facts, or a quiz. Numerous illustrations and a variety of typefaces create a busy look, but this format also breaks the information into manageable chunks. In the 1700s, humidity was measured by a hair hygrometer, an activity readers can try with their own locks using a hair dryer and steamy bathroom to intensify the results. As with most of the activities, these are demonstrations designed to extend the explanations of the concepts detailed in the text. They are followed by a short list of questions related to the results. While all of these facts, activities, and ideas are entertaining, there is an agenda related to respecting and understanding water. Websites and books are well chosen and appropriate for the audience.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
