Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Wallace (Joy Takes Root) and Engel (Yaya and the Sea) effervescently detail the traditional practice of water dowsing in this conscientious picture book. With naught but a tree branch, Kit's grandfather can find clean, potable water underground, and he drills wells for community members' basic water-based necessities. As Kit watches from Grandpa's truck, the man dances "over the land,/ swaying and spinning/ and swinging his branch" to find water. Then he digs, waits, and dances "in rhythm" with it. How does he do it? "Someone has to listen to the water," he says, winking. Lately, though, pollution created by those who want "more from Earth without listening" means that clean water is more difficult to find, and sometimes doesn't emerge from the ground at all. When Kit, discouraged, wants to stay home one day, their grandfather plants them on his shoulders and teaches them to listen to the water, too. Fluid imagery recurs throughout stylized acrylic underpainting and oil glazed scenes that demonstrate the importance of water to all life, and Kit's grandfather's ability to engage with the natural world. An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Wendi Gu, GreenburgerKids. Illustrator's agent: Gail Gaynin, Morgan Gaynin Agency. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Kit, a small nonbinary Black child, accompanies their grandfather as he digs wells around town to bring clean water to their community. Their grandfather passes down the ancestral knowledge of water divining and shows Kit how to "listen to the water," even as environmental issues make it harder to provide equitable access. Powerful messages, conveyed clearly in the story, could find curricular connections in science or civics discussions. The book can be paired with Carole Lindstrom's We Are Water Protectors. An encompassing story of intergenerational relationships concludes with an author's note about the disproportionate impact of water access for communities of color. The acrylic and oil paintings are rich with color and texture. Readers young and old will delight in the vivid imagery and emotions Engel creates. VERDICT Recommended first purchase for all library collections. Ideal for read-alouds or independent readers.--Monisha Blair
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Black child learns the African American tradition of water divining from Grandpa. Kit's grandpa has several "magical" talents, but most amazing is his ability to "dance with water." He digs wells for people all over town so they can obtain water for the basic necessities of life. To find the water underground, he wanders, eyes closed, with a tree branch, then digs a hole and waits. When the water bursts forth from the ground, Kit (who is nonbinary and trans and usesthey/them pronouns) is dazzled. Water becomes harder to find when factories and businesses take from the land "without listening." Discouraged, Kit no longer wants to look for water with Grandpa. But Grandpa says he needs Kit's help, and they go to the edge of the forest. Grandpa holds Kit on his shoulders as he dances, and Kit feels the power of the water. This time, Kit is the first to break ground. As Kit takes the tradition into their own hands, the teachings of their ancestors--creativity, resilience, resistance, and magic--are passed on to the child. Engel's textured, richly hued art effectively brings readers into the country setting and into the dance that merges Kit with the water. A powerful nugget of culture and history fits snugly into Wallace's graceful story. Imbued with a beauty and strength that will leave a lasting impression. (author's note)(Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
