Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

An effervescent dive into water's nature, use, misuse, and conservation. Appropriately enough, the authors pour facts and statistics around and between reefs of vivid infographics, bright cartoon images, maps, flowcharts, and tiny but cogent photographs. They cover water's cosmic origins, its earthly cycles ("It might once have been dinosaur pee, or Cleopatra's bathwater"), and its roles in both weather and climate. Turning to our relationship with the stuff, they then spoon out summaries of world water myths over a comparative table of flood tales from selected cultures and religions, examine water's uses in agriculture and in alternative-energy production, and survey ways in which water becomes polluted. Introducing the idea of a "water footprint," they top it all off with suggestions for both personal and collective ways of conserving fresh water and keeping it clean. Young eco-activists will gulp this down, and even less-motivated students won't find themselves in over their heads. Refreshing and essential, like its subject. (source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-10)

ALA Booklist (Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2013)

This isn't your typical kid's nonfiction title. Banyard and Ayer's approach to the scientific method translates into seven fascinating water-related subjects recounted in everyday language using common components. Banyard and Ayer open with a brief word on water measurements (using standard items such as cups and bathtubs) and a quick overview of water molecules and states of water before delving into chapters. Each topic is broken down further into three or four subtopics addressing such questions as "How did water come to Earth?"; "Why is water so essential for living things?"; "How do our energy sources affect water?"; and "Which countries have water and which are running dry?" Banyard and Ayer's simple narrative, set largely within text and inset boxes, tastefully surrounds Wuthrich's colorful display of photographs, diagrams, clear illustrations, charts, and maps. In addition to the book's design, this informative volume provides young readers with a diverse worldview in an effort to help them better understand how water affects people on the earth. An engaging, multidisciplinary read.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

An effervescent dive into water's nature, use, misuse, and conservation. Appropriately enough, the authors pour facts and statistics around and between reefs of vivid infographics, bright cartoon images, maps, flowcharts, and tiny but cogent photographs. They cover water's cosmic origins, its earthly cycles ("It might once have been dinosaur pee, or Cleopatra's bathwater"), and its roles in both weather and climate. Turning to our relationship with the stuff, they then spoon out summaries of world water myths over a comparative table of flood tales from selected cultures and religions, examine water's uses in agriculture and in alternative-energy production, and survey ways in which water becomes polluted. Introducing the idea of a "water footprint," they top it all off with suggestions for both personal and collective ways of conserving fresh water and keeping it clean. Young eco-activists will gulp this down, and even less-motivated students won't find themselves in over their heads. Refreshing and essential, like its subject. (source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-10)

School Library Journal (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Gr 3-6 This title presents essential information about water through written text and an abundance of visual formats, such as process diagrams, illustrated time lines, pie charts, graphs, tables, and maps. Using a mix of brief text and colorful, enlightening visuals, Banyard introduces readers to topics such as the water footprint, water power, worldwide access to water, and ways to clean polluted water. Neither alarmist nor overly comforting, this book provides the data needed for understanding the impact of water on our lives, discussing policies and issues, and making informed decisions. The text is clear and child-friendly ("If the entire Earth were the size of your bedroom, all the water would fit in two milk jugs in the corner"). The book ends with simple steps we can take right now to save water and protect this essential resource. For readers not yet ready for Stephen Leahy's Your Water Footprint: The Shocking Facts About How Much Water We Use To Make Everyday Products , this book is a fine introduction to the subject. VERDICT An excellent source for teaching and learning about water. A useful mentor text for exploring visual literacy. Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York