Hey, Water!
Young readers may be most familiar with water as a liquid, observing it in puddles, sinks, and glasses. However, the little girl in the story shows us that when it comes to water, there is much more than meets the eye. Through accessible text and clear illustrations, readers can explore the science of water in puddles, tears, fog, icebergs and even living beings. Readers will expand both knowledge and vocabulary as they embark on a tour of water in its many unique forms. Details related to water forms, the water cycle, and conservation are included at the back of the book…which is fortunate, because this book will certainly “whet” a reader’s appetite to learn more.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
This book will lead children to think about how water is an important part of their lives. Ask children to participate as each page is read by raising hands or standing up (yes) or sitting down (no) as the adult poses water questions. “Have you ever run through a sprinkler?” “Have you ever used a garden hose?” “Have you ever seen a river? ocean? lake?” And so on through each page. After sharing the book with children, invite children to participate in a water activity or experiment. One of the easiest experiments is to give each child an ice cube in a paper cup or plastic bowl. Ask them to describe how it feels and how it looks. Possible answers include cold, slippery. They may describe its color, size, shape, and so on. Talk about what happens to the ice cube the longer it is at room temperature. If possible, collect the melted water from each container, pouring it into a sauce pan. Heat the water and watch what happens. With this simple experiment, children experience the three forms of water—solid, liquid, gas.
It is important to share a variety of both fiction and nonfiction titles with young children. Share with families that nonfiction books provide opportunities to learn new concepts and vocabulary. Nonfiction books encourage children’s curiosity about the world around them, and broaden their knowledge. Positive experiences with nonfiction books also prepare children for reading textbooks as they progress in school. Brainstorm opportunities for families to connect children’s everyday experiences with content from Hey, Water! For example, look for dew drops on morning grass; and in the afternoon, talk about where those dewdrops may have gone.