Saving Water

Children's Literature

Water is the only substance on earth that can easily change into a solid, a liquid or a gas. Beginning with this startling fact of science, Dalgleish introduces the importance of water in our world and how humans use it. In this well-written, if choppy installment of the "Our World: Our Future" series, the reader moves from the ecological science of water's movement in the earth to the environmental concerns of losing clean water. While not going into a lot of details, she covers many bases, including dams, wastewater, water use for factories and xeroscape farming. The book includes simple projects that encourage hands-on water experiences. With all of the good material, the book does have a flaw. Each page is packed. It includes not only the main text, but pictures, captions and boxed messages titled "You Can Do It!" or "Stop and Think!" These boxes ask young readers to focus on acting responsibly toward the world. Because the pages are so crowded, the overall effect is distracting, even though the information itself is good. Included are sections titled Think Globally and Sustaining Our World as well as a glossary and an index. 2002, Chelsea House Publishers, Hansen

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Focusing on the interconnections that bring together all living things, these titles challenge children to think globally and act locally. Wildlife discusses habitats, changing weather, greed, and vanishing species. Water concentrates on the need to preserve the fresh water available to sustain life and to minimize both use and pollution. Each two-page chapter includes a highlighted question, while sidebars give suggestions for simple experiments."You Can Do It" sections offer practical ideas that will enable youngsters to participate in maintaining a healthy planet. The unrelenting bad news regarding the condition of the Earth detailed in both books is mitigated by the suggestion that children can, and perhaps must, take action no matter how minor these acts may seem. Turning off lights, buying only what is needed, and being careful about what is put down household drains are all actions that can help raise environmental awareness. The busy pages with full-color photos, diagrams, and varied typeface will appeal to both browsers and report writers.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.