Cherry, author and illustrator of The Great Kapok Tree , again explores an environmental theme, this time turning her attention to the Nashua River, which runs through New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She traces the environmental history of the river into the present, documenting the river's destruction by industrial pollution and its eventual reclamation. Set against a countryside depicted in vivid blues, greens, and browns, Cherry's full-page watercolor and color-pencil illustrations depict an unpolluted river alive with human and animal activity. Using garish oranges and reds, she captures a Nashua spoiled by dyes dumped by paper companies. A murky haze from factory smokestacks washes over the landscape, and the river is utterly devoid of life. Small drawings of animals native to the area, items used by the people who lived along its banks, and relevant historical events border some of the text. The endpapers are illustrated with maps and include a brief chronology. The book 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. (Reviewed Mar. 15, 1992)

This inspiring book follows the story of the polluting of the Nashua River to its solution, brought about by the determination of a local woman. The main text is straightforward and readable, and the layout is pleasing and informative. Cherry enriches her narrative with additional information in the illustrations.

A pictorial history of Massachusetts and New Hampshire's Nashua River, from its valley's settlement 7,000 years ago by ``Indian peoples'' until its recent reclamation. An introductory note summarizes pivotal changes: the arrival of the English; industrialization; and the successful effort, begun in the 60's and largely credited to activist Marion Stoddart, to clean up the river and restore its wildlife. Each double spread examines one period or topic and includes a brief, informative text, attractively bordered with miniature illustrations of significant wildlife, artifacts, or scenes, and a handsome, full-page painting. Contrasts—e.g., between the lush valley the Native Americans found and the dying river, sluggishly running red with dye and pulp from a paper mill—are dramatically telling. An important, intelligently presented story that is emblematic of the need for myriad similar conservation efforts. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 6-10)"

Gr 1-4-- In the 15th century, when native people first settled on the banks of the river now called the Nashua, it was a fertile and beautiful place. By the 1960s, the river valley had been ravaged by many years of serious pollution , and fish, birds, and other animals were no longer seen in the area. Through the efforts of Marion Stoddart and the Nashua River Watershed Association, laws were passed that resulted in the restoration of this river and the protection of all rivers. The author gets high marks for documenting the negative impact of industry on the environment and for highlighting the difference one determined person can make. However, young readers lacking historical background need more facts and dates than are included here. Cherry uses borders on pages that detail, for example, some of the inventions conceived in the 19th century; inexplicably, most are labeled but only some are dated. Her note and the maps on the endpapers, which include a timeline, also help to place the events in context. The watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations are sweeping in their subject matter and adequately convey the physical deterioration of the watershed. However, one picture is misleading; although all the animals depicted live in this habitat, they would not all be seen together. The current concern over the environment will make this a sought-after title, since it is brief enough to read aloud to groups of children. With assistance from informed adult readers, it makes an important contribution to literature on water pollution. --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT