Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On, by Lois Ehlert

Voyager Books, 1992

Down by the Cool of the Pool, by Tony Mitton

Orchard Books, 2002

Down by the cool of the pool, Frog cries, "Wheeeee! Can you dance like me?" A pig and a sheep are the first animals to rise to the challenge, but before long, the frolicking mass of animals fall into the pond. (Fiction)

I Get Wet, by Vicki Cobb

HarperCollins, 2002

We Use Water, by Robin Nelson

Lerner Publications, 2003

Photographs and simple text explore ways in which people use water, such as making ice cubes, washing hands and taking a bath, fighting fires, and playing at the beach. (Nonfiction)

Available in Spanish: Usamos el agua

Swimmy, by Leo Lionni

Dragonfly Books, 1973

A little black fish is the lone survivor of a school of fish swallowed by a tuna. Swimmy devises a plan to camouflage himself and his new companions, a school of red fish, from natural enemies in the sea. (Fiction)

Available in Spanish: Nadarín

In the Small, Small Pond, by Denise Fleming

Henry Holt and Co., 1998

It's springtime and a green frog jumps out of the tall, tall grass and lands in a small, small pond. Spring comes and goes, summer passes, fall arrives, and finally it snows. As they explore the seasons, readers take a frog's-eye peek at life in a small, small pond. (Fiction)

Caldecott Honor Book
Award-winning author/illustrator

Precious Water: A Book of Thanks, by Brigitte Weninger

North-South, 2003

Easily understood by the younger set, this imaginatively illustrated early science text will capture the interest of children and spark them to explore where, why, and how we use water.

Mud, by Mary Lyn Ray

Voyager Books, 2001

A child's yellow boots and red socks give way to a full-length view of the child almost flying through the air toward one of the most fun springtime rituals; playing in the mud! (Fiction)

The Very Quiet Cricket, by Eric Carle

Philomel, 1990

When a cricket is born, he wants to say "hello" to the other insects. He rubs his wings together to make a chirp - but he cannot make a sound. It is not until night falls that he meets another cricket and manages to find his voice. (Fiction)

Award-winning author/illustrator

Five Little Ducks, by Pam Paparone

North-South, 1997

"Five little ducks went out one day, / Over the hills and far away." This book portrays mother duck hanging out the clothes, ironing and gathering apples while her ducklings wander off into the idyllic countryside, returning at dusk for apple pie. (Fiction)

Available in Spanish: Los cinco patitos

Hello, Fish!: Visiting the Coral Reef, by Sylvia Earle

National Geographic Children's Books, 2001

Stunning photographs and simple text introduce 12 inhabitants of the coral reef including clownfish, blue-spotted stingray, and silvertip sharks. (Nonfiction)

What's It Like to Be a Fish? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science), by Wendy Pfeffer

HarperTrophy, 1996

You can't breathe under water, but a fish can! Find out how a fish's body, fins, tail, scales, and gills make it perfectly adapted for its underwater home. (Nonfiction)

Harbor, by Donald Crews

HarperTrophy, 1987

Presents various kinds of boats that come and go in a busy harbor such as tankers, tugs, barges, ferryboats, and fireboats. (Nonfiction)

Award-winning author/illustrator

Splash, Joshua, Splash! by Malachy Doyle

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2004

Joshua and his grandmother wind their way through a wonderful day of activities that involve puddles, a pool, and a water slide.

Sail Away, by Donald Crews

HarperTrophy, 2000

A family takes an enjoyable ride in their sailboat, leaving the mooring, going under the bridge, and passing the lighthouse, before setting sail. But what happens when the weather turns bad? (Fiction)

Boat Book, by Gail Gibbons

Holiday House, 1983

Elliot's Shipwreck, by Andrea Beck

Kids Can Press, 2000

Somewhere in the Ocean, by Jennifer Ward and T.J. Marsh

Rising Moon Books, 2000

This lively counting book will introduce children to an array of marine life - from manatees and sea otters to jellyfish and sea horses. (Fiction)

What Lives in a Shell? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science), by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

HarperTrophy, 1994

Hermit Crab has outgrown his snug little shell, so he must go look for a larger one. Children follow Hermit Crab as he says goodbye to all the sea creatures who have helped make his old shell a cozy home and out across the sea floor as he looks for a new shell. (Fiction)

Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children

Award-winning author/illustrator

Float and Sink, by Robin Nelson

Lerner Publications, 2004

Colorful illustrations and simple text introduce children to the concepts of floating and sinking. (Nonfiction)

Animal Babies in Ponds and Rivers, by Jennifer Schofield

Kingfisher, 2004

The Pig in the Pond, by Martin Waddell

Candlewick, 1996

On a sweltering summer day, the pig on Neligan's farm sits by the pond feeling envious of the ducks and the geese floating in the cool water. Then, SPLASH! The pig takes a dive, throwing the entire farm into an uproar. It isn't long, however, before the idea catches on, and the pig finds that she's got company! (Fiction)

Shared Reading Questions

You Can Swim, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

Candlewick Press, 2005

Baby Duck is not sure she is ready to get into the pool with the swim team. After all, her arms might get tired and she might swallow water. Her grandfather recognizes her fears and very gently encourages her to be brave. Before long, Baby Duck takes the plunge. (Fiction)

Award-winning author

Shared Reading Questions