Water Sings Blue by Kate CoombsCome down to the shore with this rich and vivid celebration of the ocean! With watercolors gorgeous enough to wade in by award-winning artist Meilo So and playful, moving poems by Kate Coombs, Water Sings Blue evokes the beauty and power, the depth and mystery, and the endless resonance of the sea.
Splish Splash by Joan Bransfield GrahamPresenting the many forms of water in concrete poems and graphic illustrations--including rain, snow, ocean waves, ice cubes, and tears--a clever book with bold illustrations plunges into the pleasures of poetry and the shapes of language.
How to Cross a Pond by Marilyn SingerFrom “Water Music” and the “Babbling Brook” (it speaks in Brookish) to an ocean that “sometimes sings and sometimes raves,” Marilyn Singer has captured the nature of water in this insightful and lyrical collection of poems. Whether she is showing us gardens, all dressed-up in “diamond necklaces of dew or lace collars of frost,” or the “sudden summer stream . . . the stubby hydrant brings to the city child,” she shows us surprising and delightful new ways of looking at water and nature.
A Mirror to Nature by Jane YolenJane Yolen and Jason Stemple join forces again in this new winning combination of poems and photos. Water possesses reflective qualities, creating fascinating patterns and doubled images that allow us to see things in new ways. Celebrated writer Jane Yolen and photographer Jason Stemple capture these natural beauties in twelve thoughtful poems and breathtaking pictures in this winner of the John Burroughs Nature Books for Young Readers Award. Watery reflections provide an appropriate backdrop for Jane's musings on nature, such as a raccoon swimming with his reflected self, the water-jagged legs of a snowy egret, and the double danger of a hungry alligator at the edge of a swamp. Jason's photographs offer whimsical peeks at the natural world we rarely chance to see. This artistic collaboration gives readers a unique opportunity to contemplate their world.
Splash! by Constance LevyAward-winning poet Constance Levy leads youngsters on a poetic exploration of how water runs through our daily lives. Water runs through our lives; it is, in fact, essential to all life. And it takes many forms-it can be the liquid that quenches our thirst, the rain that pours from the sky, the juice of a ripe tomato, even a dramatic white tower in a polar landscape. These poems observe nature and also invite young readers to make observations of their own.
Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce SidmanFrom spring’s first thaw to autumn’s chill, the world of the pond is a dramatic place. Though seemingly quiet, ponds are teeming with life and full of surprises. Their denizens—from peepers to painted turtles, duckweed to diving beetles—lead secret and fascinating lives. A unique blend of whimsy, science, poetry, and hand-colored woodcuts, this Caldecott Honor-winning collection invites us to take a closer look at our hidden ponds and wetlands. Here is a celebration of their beauty and their mystery.
Nonfiction Books
All the Water in the World by George Ella LyonFaucet well raincloud sea … from each of these comes water. But where does Water go? To find out, honey, turn the page, dive in with tongue or toes, with eyes and ears and nose— and wonder at the flow of this great world’s life story.
Around the Pond by Ann C. CooperMeet frogs, muskrats and other common animals who make their homes in the pond ecosystem. Stories and fact pages underscore the interdependence of the animals in their habitat. Includes treasure maps and games. Ages 5-9.
This Child, Every Child by David J. SmithA groundbreaking book of statistics and stories that compare the lives of children around the world today. Every second of every day, four more children are added to the world's population of over 2.2 billion children. Some of these 2.2 billion children will be cared for and have enough to eat and a place to call home. Many others will not be so fortunate. The bestselling author-illustrator team behind the phenomenal If the World Were a Village and If America Where a Village return with a revealing and beautifully illustrated glimpse into the lives of children around the world. This Child, Every Child uses statistics and stories to draw kids into the world beyond their own borders and provide a window into the lives of their fellow children. As young readers will discover, there are striking disparities in the way children live. Some children lack opportunities that others take for granted. What is it like to be a girl in Niger? How are some children forced into war? How do children around the world differ in their home and school lives? This Child, Every Child answers such questions and sets children's lives against the rights they are guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Save Water by Kay BarnhamIn many parts of the world, the supply of clean, safe drinking water is running low. This important book explores where the water we use comes from, how water can become polluted, and why we should save water. Tips on saving water at home and at school encourage kids to think about conservation and caring for our environment.
A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara KerleyAn Italian boy sips from a fountain in the town square. A hiker takes a refreshing drink from a mountain stream. Black-robed women in India stride gracefully through a field with brass water jugs balanced on their heads. Whether they squeeze it out of a burlap bag, haul it home from a communal tap, or get it out of their kitchen faucet, people all around the world are unified by their common need for water. Barbara Kerley brings home this point simply and eloquently in this beautiful and educational picture book that combines striking National Geographic photographs with a poetic text to show how people in various cultures use and conserve the world's most vital resource. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Common Ground by Molly BangA simple story of our planet's natural resources with jewel-like paintings by Caldecott Honor author Molly Bang. Through the example of a shared village green and the growing needs of the townspeople who share it, Molly Bang presents the challenge of handling our planet's natural resources. Full color picture book.
Just Add Water by Jennifer A. RothScience experiments covering elementary science for related grade levels. These texts stress the importance of forming theories, making careful observations, and drawing sound conclusions. All equipment can be found in any home or classroom.
What's So Special about Planet Earth? by Robert E. WellsMove to another planet? Sounds interesting! In our imaginary spaceship, let's check out the planets in our solar system. Mercury is closest, but it has no air, and it's either sizzling hot or bitterly cold. The atmosphere on Venus is poisonous; plus, human beings would cook there. Mars might work, but you'd always have to be in a protective shelter. And if you got to the outer planets, you couldn't even land as they are mostly made of gas! Our home planet is looking good. Why is Earth so comfortable for plants, animals, and people? As Robert E. Wells explains, it's because of our just-right position form the sun, marvelous atmosphere, and abundant water. Our planet is very special and perfect for us, and that's why we must do all we can to keep Earth healthy.
A Drop of Water by Walter WickThe most spectacular photographs ever created on the subject of water appear in this unique science book by Walter Wick. The camera stops the action and magnifies it so that all the amazing states of water can be observed -- water as ice, rainbow, steam, frost, dew. Readers can examine a drop of water as it falls from a faucet, see a drop of water as it splashes on a hard surface, count the points of an actual snowflake, and contemplate how drops of water form clouds. Evaporation, condensation, capillary, attraction, and surface tension are explained through simple text and illustrated by pictures that reveal water in its many awesome transformations. The last pages of the book feature experiments that welcome the reader into the world of scientific investigation. In A Drop of Water, Walter Wick embraces two disciplines, art and science, and stimulates the reader as aesthetic and scientific observer.
You're Aboard Spaceship Earth by Patricia Lauber
Water, Water Everywhere by Melvin BergerIn addition to the water cycle, this book discusses a city's water system, sewage, and how to conserve water.
Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean by Arthur DorrosExplains how water flows from brooks, to streams, to rivers, over waterfalls, through canyons and dams, to eventually reach the ocean.
The Great Lakes by Kathy HendersonThe "New True Books" have been produced to fill a very important need. Children are by nature inquisitive and these fact-filled books provide answers to many basic questions. Students use the New True Books for supplementary work in their classes. They use them to find out about special things that interest them. They read them to learn on their own. Packed with information, each fascinating book encourages children to study independently. The "New True Books" are effective. Each book is richly illustrated with full-color photographs and art, selected to support the text. A large, easy-to-read typeface is used. Each title contains a table of contents, a glossary, and a complete index. The "New True Book" series was prepared under the direction of the late Illa Podendorf, formerly with the Laboratory School, University of Chicago. Remember, children will always have questions, so let the "New True Books" help them find the answers.
Water Is Water by Miranda PaulDrip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up. Whirl. Swirl. Watch it curl by. Steam is steam unless...it cools high. This spare, poetic picture book follows a group of kids as they move through all the different phases of the water cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist, talented author Miranda Paul and the always remarkable Jason Chin (Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island, Gravity) combine to create a beautiful and informative journey in this innovative nonfiction picture book that will leave you thirsty for more.
Water, Water Everywhere by Mark J. RauzonFrom Horn Book review: "Water's vital role in the life of our planet is vividly portrayed in a crisp, economical text that cultivates respect for the environment. The water cycle is examined, along with the ways in which waves, rivers, and glaciers shape the Earth. Striking, often full-page color photographs will engage the imagination of young readers."
Raindrops Roll by April Pulley SayreDiscover the wonder of water in this refreshingly fun and fascinating exploration of rain, raindrops, and the water cycle from the creator ofRah, Rah, Radishes! and Go, Go Grapes! Raindrops drop. They plop. They patter. They spatter. And in the process, they make the whole world feel fresh and new and clean. In this gorgeously photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book, celebrated author April Pulley Sayre sheds new light on the wonders of rain, from the beauty of a raindrop balanced on a leaf to the amazing, never-ending water cycle that keeps our planet in perfect ecological balance.
Rain and Hail by Franklyn M. Branley
How Do Plants Grow? by Richard SpilsburyLooking inside a seed. We'll look at a cut-open bean seed and talk about the food store and the baby plant and the seed coat. The baby plant in a seed stays safe and warm inside the seed coat until it is ready to start growing, usually in spring when the weather is warm and wet.
Hydropower by Amy S. HansenEco-conscious readers will be thrilled to know that one of the most powerful, renewable sources of energy has nothing to do with burning fuel or releasing of pollutants, and has a very minimal production of green house gases. Students will see how weve harnessed the power of nature and water to create hydropower.
Toilet: How It Works by David MacaulayCelebrated author-illustrator and master explainer David Macaulay brings his unique voice and style to high-interest nonfiction books for newly independent readers. Everyone knows what a toilet is for, right? But what exactly happens after you flush? Where does our waste go, and how is it made safe? With his unique blend of informative text and illustration, David Macaulay takes readers on a tour of the bathroom, plumbing, and the sewer system, from the familiar family toilet to the mysterious municipal water treatment plant. AKirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013
A River Ran Wild by Lynne CherryThis is the remarkable environmental success story of the cleanup of New England’s once polluted Nashua River. A River Ran Wild is "beautifully designed, and its message is admirable. Readers will be moved to consider their personal impact on the environment and what they can do to make a difference.”--Booklist
Water by Emily NeyeWater is all around us. It is rain from the sky. It is a puddle on the ground. It is a place to swim. But that's not all. Water can change. Water can be ice cubes in your drink or steam from your bath.
Make a splash! : a kid's guide to protecting our oceans, lakes, rivers and wetlands (book in MS) by Cathryn Berger Kaye
a guide to Minecraft books, including some PDS online library books!
Legends & Tales
The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales by Dawn CaseyIn this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers learn how different cultures around the world live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. Discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco tips and trying out some of the fun and creative activities that accompany each story
The Water Dragon by Li JianThis fancifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a famous Chinese myth about a young boy's quest to save his village. Long ago, in a remote village in China, there lived a kind and generous little boy. He spent his days in the forest, collecting wood to trade for food. One day, the boy made a wondrous discovery: a magic stone that caused his money jar and rice crocks to overflow, both of which he shared with the poor villagers. But strange things began to happen. It no longer rained. The crops died. The rivers dried up. A terrible drought had struck and would not release its grip. The brave young boy, full of dreams of a white, water-spewing Dragon, took his magic stone on a journey—and discovered how to save his village.
The Brave Little Parrot by Rafe MartinWhen a raging fire threatens to burn down the forest, all of the animals run away in fear. All except for one brave little parrot, who has an idea. ?Help me,? she cries to the elephants, beseeching them to fill their trunks with water to spray on the flames. ?Help me,? she begs the cheetahs, even as they urge her to flee and save herself. But the brave little parrot will not be daunted. Can the determination and courage of one small bird be enough to save a forest?Susan Gaber's majestic illustrations and Rafe Martin's lyrical retelling bring to life an inspiring tale from ancient India that will speak to today's readers.
The Snail Girl Brings Water by Geri KeamsWhen the People emerge from below the earth into the world we live in today, they discover there is no fresh water. Someone must go back down into the old world below the sea to bring back some pure water so that First Woman can sing her song of magic and make many streams and rivers flow. Snail Girl saves the day in this retelling of a traditional Navajo creation myth.