Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Water is always water in this lovely picture-book, but that doesn't mean it always stays the same. Author Miranda Paul explores the many states of H2O, from liquid to vapor to ice, and every step in between, in her poetic text, one which highlights the involvement of a group of children in the water cycle over the course of a year. An informative afterword gives more scientific details about the process outlined in the rather whimsical main text. Artist Jason Chin, whose own natural history picture-books include such titles as Redwoods and Coral Reefs, contributes the watercolor and gouache illustrations here.

I really enjoyed Water Is Water, which I have added to that list of children's picture-books which blend the instructional with show more the delightful, offering both an imaginative and an informative element in their texts. This is something for which Jason Chin is particularly known, so I wasn't surprised to see that he had accepted the commission to create the artwork here, as I feel that it is definitely his kind of book. Needless to say, the artwork itself was simply gorgeous, capturing the beauty and wonder of the entire water cycle, as experienced by a group of children. This is my first book from Miranda Paul, but I certainly hope it won't be my last, as I was just as impressed with the text, as I was with the visuals. Highly recommended to anyone looking for children's books that make science and natural history fun and engaging. show less

A beautifully illustrated and simply wonderful evocation of the water cycle, following two mixed race children as they observe and delight in the outdoor world. Clever links between states of water and pages inform readers with rhyming text and lush illustrations. What child has not seen shapes in the clouds? "A dragon in a wagon? A crow kneading dough? " The water cycle is explained in more detail in an afterword. Especially helpful are the percentages of water in familiar things: "A baby is about 78% water. A cat is about 80% water. An oak tree is about 75% water. You are about 65% water." Lists for further reading and a select bibliography are appended.

The story begins before the title page, with a full-bleed illustration of two brown-skinned children attempting to catch a turtle with a net (and then, on the title page, succeeding). Rushing inside out of a sudden rainstorm, the children get water to drink for themselves and for the turtle. "Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up." A page turn reveals water turning to steam over hot cups of tea. Steam subsequently becomes clouds, mist, fog, rain, puddles, ice on a pond, snowflakes, snowmelt, mud, uptake into an apple tree, apples, cider. The change in the state of water and the change in seasons proceed together; back matter includes "more about water," including an explanation of terms like evaporation, show more condensation, and precipitation.

See also: Hey, Water by Antoinette Portis; Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and Jason Chin show less

LOVE this one! Fantastic baby/toddler/preschool/older siblings. Can be scaled up or down in age with use of substantial endnotes. Absolutely gorgeous, intricate watercolors (of course!) we saw new creatures & details with every read. Story times: would work best in smaller groups to truly enjoy the illustrations, but nicely rhythmic with a fun cadence. The best explanation of the water cycle in a children's book- so simple, clear, & relatable- the examples are all things even itty bitties will understand.

Not only is this a really beautifully illustrated book, but the presentation of the ideas is both simple and clever. The whole thing just works really well together and does a wonderful job of getting the idea across.

This spare, poetic picture book follows a group of kids as they move through all the different phases of the water cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist, talented author Miranda Paul and the always remarkable Jason Chin (Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island, Gravity) combine to create a beautiful and informative journey in this innovative nonfiction picture book that will leave you thirsty for more.

The art is vivid, the rhyme is pleasant, and I love that there is a section in the back that provides more detailed information on the water cycle for curious kids (but you an just skip it for the younger kids).