Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water?

February 1, 2007
Gr 1-3-This uniquely titled book introduces the water cycle. The information includes details about why plants and animals need water; the three states of water; how it moves through streams, rivers, and the ocean; and what happens to it after evaporation. How water is used on Earth and conservation issues are also discussed. The lack of chapters might hinder the use of this book for reports. The colorful, cartoon illustrations result in a comic-book look, and the hand-lettered text adds to this feeling. Many books have been written about the water cycle, and this one is similar in style to Joanna Cole's "Magic School Bus: Wet All Over" (Scholastic, 1996)."Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2006
Wells, who explored topics such as large numbers in " Can You Count to a Googol " (2000) and the measurement of time in " How Do You Know What Time It Is?" (2002), now tackles the water cycle, explaining that the earth's water has been constantly recycled not just since dinosaur days but for billions of years. The simple text asks good questions and offers clearly worded answers, enhanced by lively, colorful ink-and-watercolor illustrations. In the pictures, two children travel in a helicopter-like gizmo all around the world, observing streams, rivers, oceans, rain, snow, glaciers, a dam, and so on. Readers will also see illustrations of evaporation and underground aquifers. The text ends with a plea for water conservation. A playful but sound introduction to the water cycle. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)