Water, water everywhere…but not a drop to drink! While this may not be completely true at the moment, water is now a precious gift from nature that must be protected at all costs. And a great way to get young children involved in the ‘save water’ cause is by giving them a chance to be informed about it. These books, ideal for kids 4 yrs and up is the perfect way to start. Keep reading!
When was the last time you managed to go through a day without water?
Water is everywhere and in everything that we do. From the great big oceans to a tiny little raindrop, water is all around us and we consume it in many ways. So, it only makes sense that we get our kids involved and help them understand all the various aspects of water and what makes it so precious. Thankfully, these amazing books are here to give them a head start on becoming water warriors! From books on the water cycle to those illustrating the importance of water and why we should consciously save it; on the occasion of World Water Day let’s start reading and let’s make a difference.
1. I Can Save The Ocean by Alison Inches
Max the little green monster teaches all of us a very important message in this book – which is to understand that our actions have consequences. So, from being careless and littering to going on a mission to clean and protect his beach friends; it’s an incredible journey about what it means to go green!
Age group: 4 to 6 years
2. Why Should I Save Water? by Jen Green
Conserving water is important and in this book, both boys and girls discuss the ways in which water is being potentially wasted and answer questions about water that young children are known to have. Educational and fun!
Age group: 4 to 7 years
3. Water Dance by Thomas Locker
This story is told from the perspective of rain which is what makes it very unique – about how it lives everywhere, all the places we can find it and more.
Age group: 4 to 7 years
4. Down, Down, Down: A Journey To The Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins
Take a journey to the bottom of the sea with your kids and along the way meet all sorts of wonderful creatures like jellyfish, squid, whales and so many more! Award-winning author-illustrator Steve Jenkins writes this book and shares another masterful collection of fascinating facts and amazing art.
Age group: 4 to 7 years
5. A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley
From the National Geographic Society, this book has gorgeous photographs and few words that focuses on how people all over the world are drinking water in all sorts of ways.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
6. All The Water In the World by George Ella Lyon and Katherine Tillotson
How we use water and where it comes from – these two concepts are dealt with in this book through colourful illustrations and engaging story lines.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
7. The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks by Joanna Cole
A part of ‘The Magic School Bus’ series, in this book the kids from Ms. Frizzle’s class shrink down to teeny-tiny sizes and enter the water purification system to understand how water is cleaned.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
8. Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse
Rain…Rain…don’t go away! This story is about Tess and her friends who are yearning for some rain as they and the plants around them endure the endless heat! A relatable story that includes a diverse cast of people.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
9. A Good Trade by Alma Fullerton
This book gives perspective to kids, making them understand that no everyone has the advantage of running water in their homes. It’s a short story that is easy for kids of all ages to follow.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
10. Follow The Water From Brook to Ocean by Arthur Dorros
Water cycles around the word are fascinating and this book explains this through diverse characters, a fun storyline and interesting facts. Follow The Water From Brook to Ocean is great for preschoolers and early elementary school children.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
11. The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam Godwin
Another book about water cycles and how they are so fascinating. The book explains this concept easily without complicating it for the kids. It’s great for preschool level readers as well as children who are in early elementary.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
12. Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? by Robert E Wells
This book discusses water in its three forms – solid, liquid and gas and introduces the water cycle concept to the kids. Great for early elementary students and above, it also delves into ocean currents, ocean and lake habitats, hydroelectricity and more.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
13. A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder by Walter Wick
A visually stimulating book that has lots of interesting images of water including close-ups and water in its various forms.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
14. River by Elisha Cooper
A traveler goes down the Hudson River on her canoe, and we, through the book, get to go on the same trek as well! The flowing prose and the stunning water colour scenes makes this book absolutely mesmerising and the urban flora and fauna that we get to see through the traveler’s eyes makes the book even more special.
Age group: 4 to 8 years
15. The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord
Exploring the environmental impact of trash and plastic on oceans and marine life, this look is made to inspire kids to do their part to keep things green and clean.
Age group: 5 to 7 years
16. Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema
It’s an African folktale that takes the readers through a meaningful journey that illustrates how important rain is for all the people, animals, plants and the environment.
Age group: 5 to 8 years
17. Song of the River by Joy Cowley & Kimberly Andrews
A story about a little boy who lives in the forest near a stream longs to see the sea. One day, as he follows the stream he discovers how it changes like magic in front of his eyes – from a stream to a babbling brook, then into a river, and eventually flows out into the sea. The illustrations in this book are particularly lovely.
Age group: 5 to 8 years
18. The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay Barnham, Maddie Frost
Float, slide and splash through the water cycle and let your kids learn about the incredible water cycle from storm cloud to waterfalls, lakes and glaciers! The illustrations make this book even more endearing and you and your kids will be able follow the complete journey. An additional benefit is that the book contains a lot of interesting facts and notes to parents on how they can continue this learning.
Age group: 5 to 8 years
19. Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne
Bright and colourful illustrations, readers learn the story of a world-famous sea explorer and oceanographer who fell in love with the sea at an early age. The story highlights some of the wonderful and important discoveries Cousteau shared with the world that he uncovered during his dives. The book also shares ways in which children can understand life beneath the ocean in an enjoyable way.
Age group: 5 to 8 years
20. The Water Princess by Susan Verde
Water is a precious commodity and it is important to get the kids to realise that not everyone has easy access to it. And while this may seem strange to them, the fact is that it’s true and this story about a young African Girl who walks with her mom to go and collect water everyday, will hopefully help them understand how important it is.
Age group: 5 to 8 years
21. Explore Water!: 25 Great Projects, Activities, Experiments (Explore Your World) by Anita Yasuda
Do you know what’s essential to all forms of life? WATER! Yes, that’s right and it’s best to get the kids involved young. The books nicely captures a child’s imagination and their attention as it explains the wonderful world of water, complete with hands-on activities, history, science, details on the water cycle, awareness on water pollution, how to conserve water, involvement of water in folklore and festivals, the latest in water technology and lots more!
Age group: 5 to 8 years
22. Water: Up, Down, and All Around by Natalie M. Rosinsky
A great story alongside charming illustrations makes this book special and a must-read for kids. Just perfect for teaching young, budding water scientists all about water and how its cycle takes it through the Earth. It touches upon interesting topics like evaporation, condensation, dew and frost among others. It’s a great book to read-aloud to your kids or have them read it alone as well. P.S. – it includes hands-on experiments as well.
Age group: 5 to 10 years
23. A Drop Around the World by Barbara Shaw McKinney
Parents, teachers, educators and kids – this book is for everyone. The book narrates a journey of a water droplet as it travels the world and takes us along with it. The book seamlessly blends science and storytelling, inspiring young readers to appreciate the world around us and especially water. From clouds and ice to snow and sea – the water droplet naturally voyages the world, the poetic verse in which it is written makes the young readers feel connected to water and all living creatures.
Age group: 5 to 12 years
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