“For me, for all of us, water is a matter of life.”
Twelve children from around the world tell about the importance of water in their lives. Their landscapes and circumstances are different, but they have one thing in common: water is essential for each of their lives to flourish. Water carries emotion, hope, and comfort. It is “a cup of mint tea,” “a burst of laughter,” and “the breath of the river.”
Written in a pattern form, the words have a lyrical rhythm even though the lines do not rhyme. Gérard Frischeteau’s illustrations capture the geographical settings with an equal touch of brilliance and softness. Each child’s face has an expression of gratitude for the gift of water. The words “water is life” appear in a watermark in the language of the people group on each page. An excellent nonfiction book for reading aloud and a good springboard for conversation. Ages 4 and up. (Pajama Press)