All the Water in the World

• Author: George Ella Lyon
• Illustrator: Katherine Tillotson
• Year Published: 2011
• ISBN: 9781416971306

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

All the Water in the World introduces the water cycle and the importance of water conservation in this book by George Ella Lyon. Rich illustrations aid this text in the universality of water and where it comes from and the many ways it is a part of every person's life. The many sources of water and it's roles in the world are made accessible to children through this book.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

The concept of all the water we have being the only water the earth has is an idea that will interest students and bring up many questions about how this happens and offer opportunities for students to engage in purposeful talk around water, water conservation, and even for them to research on their own. The introduction of the many places water is found and the role it plays even in places that are barren allows opportunity for critical thinking about water in the world and even in their own lives.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The relevance this book has to all students' lives is very important for providing opportunities for children to think for themselves. It places water in a different perspective and highlights the relationship all water has in the world and its travels. When children are exposed to ideas they may not be familiar with, they are able to think about what they know and how that relates back to what they have just learned and then ask questions about.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

This is appropriately addressed because it is communicated in a way that doesn't "sound like" science normally would in a classroom. The language is very specific to water, but there is not vocabulary introduced the students might be unfamiliar with. This provides a teacher room to introduce words they find appropriate for the grade level they are working with, but still clearly and properly communicates the concept of water conservation.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

This is accurate and based on sound scientific principles because it is based on the theory of conservation of matter. Matter cannot be created or destroyed, so water does not disappear and new water can't be introduced. This is linked to the idea of water conservation and why it is important in our world to use it carefully.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The line between fact and fiction is not incredibly clear because of the way the information is communicated. The illustrations and lack of points about water being unavailable to some populations and communities makes it a more idealistic approach. While there aren't inaccurate facts, there are ideas that are left out and would need to be introduced or facilitated through discussion by the teacher.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations clearly communicate what is happening in the text and are rich in detail without distracting and being inaccurate. The words in the text move with the water illustrations and help show how water is recycled from bodies of water back up into the clouds, helping with understanding text and understanding what it is that is being shown in the illustration. There is an artsy take on nature and the water cycle, but it is a fun informative text for students.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written in a way that is accessible and engaging to all the students in my classroom. They would all be able to read it on their own or listen to it as a read aloud and be able to pull meaning from it. There isn't scientific vocabulary that is beyond there reading level or that they need to know, which allows opportunities for the teacher to talk about the necessary vocabulary bringing in parts of the book for context and reference.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

This book is unique in that it talks about water conservation in that it is centered around the entire world. This is not something that is specific or used differently between countries and this book exemplifies that. Although there is a section in the book where there is a village-type setting it is not specific in the geographic location, so it isn't stereotyping a particular country or culture.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There is no easily identifiable gender bias in this text. There is not a character at the center of the text that is a person or something that is seen as feminine or masculine. There isn't talk of male and female roles alongside water and its uses.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

There are associations between social studies because of the geography and the relationship water has to people, not just animals and nature. It is clear, but depending on the grade, more guidance from the teacher would be needed if it was going to be a lesson with a social studies integration. This text is not expository and written in an overly technical manner that makes it difficult to have association with other curriculum disciplines.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

This book is very positive toward water and its role on Earth. It puts responsibility on people without being overtly critical about the frivolous ways water can be wasted and the impact it has on the environment, which I feel makes it a good book to introduce students to water conservation with and provides an opportunity for counter narratives, especially in upper elementary grades.