Immerse yourself in fascinating facts about water! This comprehensive yet accessible exploration of water will help young readers understand many aspects of one of our planet's most precious resources - and how they can protect it. A friendly water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. Tales by storytellers from around the world are sprinkled through the book, highlighting the variety of ways in which global cultures value water. The engaging format includes gatefolds and booklets with hands-on activity ideas for learning about and protecting water. Topics covered include: . The importance of water to life . How much of the planet is made of water . Where in the world water is located . Freezing, melting and evaporation . The water cycle . Why animals and plants need water . Salt water versus fresh water environments . Uses for water, including water as a source of renewable energy . Water conservation and how to keep water clean AGES: 6 to 10 AUTHOR: Christy Mihaly has written more than 25 children's books, mostly nonfiction. She has degrees in policy studies, environmental studies and law from Dartmouth College and the University of California, Berkeley. She lives with her family in Vermont, where she enjoys the inspiration of the changing seasons and the endless varieties of New England precipitation. Mariona Cabassa is a Catalunyan native artist who has illustrated over 80 children's books. She studied at art school in Barcelona, followed by further research in Strasbourg. Her many subsequent years of working as an illustrator, painter, installation maker and tattoo artist reflect her fascination with form and her desire to explore different palettes. Mariona's technique combines water-based paints, pencils and a digital touch to create rich and detailed illustrations, bursting with colour and movement.