Explore...Water!

Gr 1–4—It's impossible to read this book and not turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Children will come away with obscure facts and broad understandings about this vital resource. The water cycle and weather are explored, as are hydropower and forms of irrigation. Frequent insets include definitions of words set in bold in nearby text, names of scientists and a discovery they made, jokes, lists of facts, or a quiz. Numerous illustrations and a variety of typefaces create a busy look, but this format also breaks the information into manageable chunks. In the 1700s, humidity was measured by a hair hygrometer, an activity readers can try with their own locks using a hair dryer and steamy bathroom to intensify the results. As with most of the activities, these are demonstrations designed to extend the explanations of the concepts detailed in the text. They are followed by a short list of questions related to the results. While all of these facts, activities, and ideas are entertaining, there is an agenda related to respecting and understanding water. Websites and books are well chosen and appropriate for the audience.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library