Flood!

All living things need water to survive. But when there is too much rain, a flood can happen. Learn how floods form and how we try to avoid them.

All living things need water to survive. But when there is too much rain, a flood can happen. Learn how floods form and how we try to avoid them.

Children's Literature

This short, engaging paperback is part of the "Natural Disaster" books in the "Ready-to-Read' series. Reluctant early readers will be drawn to this confidence-building book that begins with mostly full-page illustrations and only a few basic words per page. As the book continues, the sentences grow longer and the vocabulary is a little more complex, giving the child a better sense of the increasing power and danger of the water as it builds to a flood. But children shouldn't be left with the idea that water is always a problem; in fact, they need to realize that we can't do without it. The text makes this point very well through a clear juxtaposition of the benefits and burdens water poses for all of us. The illustrations rely on basic colors and simple strokes, ensuring that these concepts are seen from the child's point of view. A list of interesting flood facts and emergency precautions encourages adult-child interaction. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D.

Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the New York Times bestseller My Mother Is Mine. Her other titles include A Mama for Owen, If You Were Born a Kitten, Grandmother's Song, and the forthcoming Thank You for Me! Marion is on the faculty of the Vermont College MFA program in writing for children and young adults. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at mariondanebauer.com.