Penny Chisholm

A celebration of the grandeur and power of the sun, a source of energy that provides humans with warmth and light. Told from the point of view of the sun (“I lift water from the salty sea by warming the ocean’s surface waters.”), this selection explores how water recycles itself. In the process of following the water cycle, kids also learn about evaporation, aquifers, the Gulf Stream, and the ocean conveyor belt. The language is descriptive and dazzling; for instance, water molecules “jiggle, jiggle, jiggle until they pop into the air, leaving their salt behind. Evaporation!” The illustrations, rendered in the familiar blue, yellow, and green of other titles in this series, beautifully illuminate the processes covered, while also rewarding careful scrutiny. This work could easily be used as a mentor text to study how words and visuals work together. It ends with a gentle plea for readers to care for the earth’s waters. VERDICT An outstanding choice for introducing young children to the water cycle. This is a book to return to many times.