00011460

This nonfiction text includes information most appropriate for elementary-age children. It could easily be read from cover to cover, although it could also be used for a school assignment. It contains a table of contents, glossary (with the defined words bolded throughout the main text itself), index, and full-color photographs.

The book touches briefly on many things related to water, including the water cycle, how much of the human body is made up of water, etc. The emphasis obviously is on using water wisely. To that effect, the author explains how essential water is to life, how difficult it is to obtain in some countries, how much water is used in everyday tasks (e.g., baths, washing clothes, etc.), and ways to preserve water. All of this is done concisely as the book in its entirety is just over 20 pages, with miminal text per page.

Personally, I found the pages a little scattered with their mix of text, photographs, captions, pull-out boxes, etc., but this seems to be a popular style for children's nonfiction books. Special boxes call for kids to do something interactive, such as brush their teeth with the faucet on and the sink plugged just once to see how much water is wasted.

The final page of the book contains information for parents and teacher to further discuss the importance of water with their children, with topics ranging from safety to scarcity. ( )