Thankful for Water: How Water Sustains Our Planet by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Red Comet Press, 2023. 9781636550749
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? This charmingly illustrated picture book gives toddlers an idea of the importance of water for the planet. By showing water’s uses in familiar instances, such as water as a habitat for animals, as a way to keep clean, or as a component of weather, young readers will be able to connect the importance of preserving water for all the things that are important to them and their families.
Each section asks the reader a question, whether we could keep clean, or have seasons, or even have fun without water. And kids get to respond in a similar pattern each time, “We could not!” Brief rhyming text couples with lots of bright, colorful images of kids with diverse skin tones and abilities and animals to make this a fun and accessible gateway information book for the youngest set of environmental activists.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No, although I wouldn’t have minded a bit of further information for kids who are curious for more.
To whom would you recommend this book? This one is perfect for story times or science units for preschool and kindergarten classes.
Who should buy this book? All collections that serve young children.
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: January 13, 2024
Youth Services Book Review 
You must be logged in to post a comment.