Water Witcher

When a family's experience in Depression-era Australia is told through one boy's eyes, the optimism of childhood shines through despite harsh conditions 

Dougie and his sisters can't remember the last time it rained. The rainwater tanks are empty, and the creek is just a string of muddy pools where birds and animals come, seeking water. One day, Dougie's dad tells him about his grandfather's gift for water divining, or witching. Dougie wishes he were a water witcher—then they would have a well of their own, always full of water. So Dougie teaches himself the art of water divining and, despite his sisters' teasing and his mother's skepticism, he discovers a night soak of fresh water. Jan Omerod's stunning, evocative illustrations make this a rich and resonating book.

Water Witcher brings to life the experience of a family in drought-stricken rural Australia during the Depression era. Through the eyes of Dougie, the optimism of childhood shines through despite the tough work and harsh conditions. Jan Omerod's stunning, evocative illustrations make this a rich and resonating book.

Jan Ormerod is an acclaimed illustrator of more than 50 books for children. Her first book, Sunshine, a picture book without words, brought her instant success, winning the Mother Goose Award, voted the Australian Picture Book of the Year, and listed as an ALA Notable Book. Her other books include 101 Things to Do With a Baby, I Am Not Going to School Today, Lizzie Nonsense, Moonlight, and When an Elephant Comes to School.