W is for Water

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” -Benjamin Franklin – Poor Richard’s Almanac, 1746

Here in California, we are experiencing terrible drought conditions. My home is located on the King’s River which is normally teeming with life. As I write this, I am sad to say that the riverbed is dry.
How can anyone sum up the beauty and the importance of water? How can we teach our children to protect and care for this most valuable resource. We must let them experience water in all its forms and in a variety of environments. Here are some books that help to do just that.

Water Dance
written and illustrated by Thomas Locker
HMH Books for Young Readers, 2002
picture book ages 4-8

This book is pure poetry. Water in different forms is illustrated and described as it moves in its cycle around the world-
At the foot of the mountains,
I leap from a stone cliff.
Spiraling.
Plunging.
I am the waterfall.

Water
written and illustrated by Frank Asch
Harcourt, 2000
picture book
ages 3-6

Simple text and watercolor illustrations combine to make a good introduction to water for young children.
The many places where water can be found from rivers to tears and the many uses of water will help children appreciated the importance of water.

One Well: The Story of Water on Earth
Written by Rochelle Strauss
Illustrated by Rosemary Woods
Kids Can Press, 2007
picture book ages 8-12

One Well looks at the water on earth from oceans to lakes and rivers and shows how all life on earth depends on it. The book helps students to understand how limited this resource is and how we need to care for and conserve it. This is an important message that we all need to understand and this book does just that. It is well illustrated and includes clearly written facts which will encourage children to become aware of how they use water.
One Well would be a good choice to add to a classroom library. Kids Can Press has teachers Guide that can be downloaded at