This post was originally posted on my Blogger blog. It is up for the the 2020 Outstanding Picture Books GoodReads Choice Award.
It is Earth Month and April 22nd is Earth Day, the 50th anniversary. Every Day is Earth Day. This is our planet and we need to care for it each and every day. We Are Water Protectors is brand new and it is a poem and prayer for our earth and the water that gives us life.
Title: We Are Water Protectors
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Roaring Book Press, 2020
For Ages: 4 and Up
Themes: Earth, Water, Native Peoples, Protests
Opening lines:
Water is the first medicine, Nokomis told me.
We come from water.
It nourished us inside our mother's body.
As it nourishes us here on Mother Earth.
Water is sacred.
Why I LOVE this book and think you will too:
Somehow throughout my life, I have been introduced to many Native People's and learned a little bit about their cultures. Their stories have given me a love of the earth and an appreciation of the people and their connection to the world.
This book is a beautiful connection to the stories, the people, and our need to connect with mother earth. It is a call to arms to protect our planet and the water that gives us life.
It is a prayer for the earth.
Michaela's illustrations are like a dream. They show the beauty and the horror in contrast to each other as poetically as the words written by Carole.
This book makes me want: To read it over and over again. To linger on each image. To glide my fingers across the colors and the water. To hold it close to my heart to remind me of what is truly important in life. To push me to stand up and fight for what is right.
I hope it does the same for you and your children.
Listen to Carole Lindstrom Read the book:
Activities and Resources:
Check out Carole's website.
Check out Michaela Goade's website.
Go outside, dig in the dirt, play with water. Plants seeds, a tree, and flowers.
Learn more about the complaints and concerns regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline
Learn about the Native American cultures where you live. A list with links to Native American Nations websites.
Take Action.
Pick up garbage left behind.
Attend a rally.
Make signs.
Write to your government officials.
Change one little thing like giving up straws and balloons.
Listen to Matthew Winner's Podcast interview with Carole and Michaela.
Add this book to your collection.
Looking for more great books to read with your kids. Be sure to check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog Post.
I, too, LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! And I could read it again and again. This is one of those books that can stay in your library and be appreciated for years to come. Great rec!