In the book One Well: The Story of Water on Earth author Rochelle Strauss explores the concept that all water is connected - oceans, rivers, glaciers and raindrops are all a part of the global well. The book is illustrated beautifully by Rosemary Woods and is part of the series Citizen Kid, a collection of books that inspire children to be better global citizens.
The author has created an engaging and insightful story about the water cycle, how we use water on Earth and the need for conservation. The book begins by explaining the concept that all water on earth is connected. “So whether you are turning on a faucet in North America or pulling water from a well in Kenya, or bathing in a river in India, it is all the same water.” Each page spread is dedicated to addressing an aspect of water on Earth. Children learn about the recycling of water (the water cycle), and how plants, animals and human beings depend on water to live. Children are presented with some uses of water they may be less familiar with. “About 21 percent of the water we use goes to making everything from computers to cars… Water vapor runs machinery. Water is an ingredient in many products such as lotions, shampoos, chemicals and drinks.” Throughout the book there are collections of interesting facts about water and it’s uses. “Every day 1.8 million tonnes (2 million tons) of garbage are dumped into Earth’s water - enough to fill more than 15,000 boxcars.” The last pages of the book explore access, demand, pollution and conservation. The author addresses the need to think now about how we treat our water supply because it affects the entire earth and its inhabitants for years to come.
Curriculum Connections
This book pairs nicely with curriculum that teaches conservation or the water cycle and would be appropriate for grades 3-5. Students can learn about the processes involved in the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) (SOL 3.9b), that water is essential for living things (3.9 c), and about the supply and conservation of water. (SOL 3.9d) Teachers may also find the book a good fit when teaching about natural resources and how human influences can affect the survival of species. (SOL 3.10a,b,d)
Additional Resources
- The back pages in the book provide additional information and ideas for discussing water conservation. The publisher, Kids Can Press has a Learning Resource guide for the book on their website.
- The EPA has an easy to understand animation of the water cycle as well as a good selection of interactive games.
- This complete lesson plan Water: A Never Ending Story includes hands on activities for exploring evaporation, condensation, precipitation and water and soil.
Author: Rochelle Strauss
Illustrator: Rosemary Woods
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 32 pages
Grade Range: 3-5
ISBN: 978-1553379546
A Seed in Need: A First Look at the Plant Cycle by Sam Godwin is an engaging introduction to the life cycle of a plant. The author describes the parts of the flower and the life cycle in language that is easy for younger readers to understand. The bright and cheery illustrations by Simone Abel are sure to capture the attention of young children.
This story takes the reader from seed, to seedling, to bud, and finally to sunflower. Along the way the two main characters of the book, Snail and Ladybug provide conversational dialogue that includes additional facts about plants and funny comments. On one page we learn that “The white shoot pushes its way through the soil. It has become a seedling.” Snail says, “Plants need sunlight to make them big and strong.” Ladybug replies, “I like sunlight, too!” The stem grows taller and thicker, gets sunlight and water, and plays host to little creatures of the garden. Soon a bud appears and begins to unfold. “The bud turns into a beautiful flower. Bees and butterflies come to visit.” Readers learn from Snail that the insects come to drink the nectar. Finally the petals fall and the gardener collects the seeds to plant next spring. The cycle is complete. On the last page there is a two page illustration of the sunflower, so children have a chance to review the parts of the plant.
Curriculum Connections
This book is perfect for introducing the parts of a plant and learning about plant life cycles. It would work best in the K-1 classroom. The concepts included would integrate well with lessons where the students must investigate and understand the basic needs and life processes of plants and animals; including living things change as they grow and need food, water and air to survive; and plants and animals live and die (go through a life cycle) (SOLs k.6a,b, and 1.4a). It would also work well with students learning the parts of a plant (seeds, roots, stems, leaves, blossoms, fruits) (SOL 1.4b)
Additional Resources
- In the back of the book is a page of vocabulary words, a few fun facts and a short list of other books.
- This sequencing worksheet would be a good exercise to reinforce the stages of the plant’s life cycle.
- Students investigate the inside of a lima bean seed in this experiment.
- This lesson plan has students grow their own seeds.
- This web activity lets students put the parts of a plant together and shows a seed growing under different conditions.
Author: Sam Godwin
Illustrator: Simone Abel
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 32
Grade Range: K-1
ISBN: 978-0750024976
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