Spring perches on the horizon. Soon we’ll enjoy brilliant flashes of color: blossoms, leaves and fresh growth. The skies will burst with abundant showers that nourish Mother Earth’s bounty. In the spirit of Spring, today I review Water Rolls, Water Rises by Pat Mora and illustrated by Meilo So. This marvelous picture book offers a delight for the senses. Lavish watercolor illustrations bring to life imaginative poetic images about water in all stages of the amazing water cycle. The poetry and illustrations are each gorgeous and perfectly complement each other. All humans share the need for water and we use it in its many states for our health, for recreation and to delight in it’s transformative beauty.
This book is a gem on that basis alone. But wait; it gets better. Each English verse is followed by the Spanish translation. This creates a wonderful opportunity for children to learn some Spanish. For bilingual readers, it offers a chance to read in either language. Each illustration is based on an actual location somewhere in the world. (There is a guide at the end of the book that describes the places in more detail.)
AQ*— When we view this book through our *Adoption-attuned lens, we glean many positives. The illustrations include a variety of cultures and races. (This is not the focus; it is the backdrop—a reflection of the rich mixture of our world.) Because the illustrations are based on real places, it is easy to segue to an exploration on a map, globe or internet journey. The bilingual text invites readers to try on another language and to listen to poetry through an alternative ear. Water Rolls, Water Rises invites readers to stop and notice the miraculous beauty of our world–a great opportunity to “stop and smells the roses.” I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe you will too! The American Library Association named it a Notable Children’s Book. Published by Lee & Low who specialize in multicultural books.
