Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Summary: Every day, the narrator goes with her mother to fetch water. They start before dawn, and it’s late in the day when they get back. The water is a dusty earth color and must be boiled before it can be drunk. Despite these hardships, the girl’s family is happy. Her mother sings as they travel to get the water, and her father gives her a warm greeting when he returns from the fields. When she goes to sleep, her mother tells her to dream of someday when they will have clear, cold water nearby. The last two pages tell more about the need for water for many people. Links are provided to the Georgie Badiel Foundation, named for the supermodel who based this story on her childhood in Burkina Faso, and Ryan’s Well, an organization founded by a young Canadian boy. Both groups are working to build wells in Africa and bring clean water to the people there. 40 pages; grades K-3.
Pros: An eye-opening look at a difficult problem for many people around the world. The illustrations are charming, and readers may be inspired to help out through the two organizations listed at the end.
Cons: That this situation exists in the world today.
Summary: Every day after school, Sophie hurries to Grandpa’s room to tell him about her day and to find out about his. Each day, Grandpa has “lost” some small object (a paper clip, a rubber band) that he needs Sophie to find for him. She searches until she finds it. On the weekend, she starts to go to his room, but her parents tell her that Grandpa is sleeping. That gives Sophie an idea. With her parents’ permission, she hides herself behind the curtain in Grandpa’s room, so when he wakes up, it’s his turn to find something that’s hidden. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
Summary: Ever since Henry got Leo the lion for his second birthday, they have been inseparable friends. One day, the family decides to go for a walk in the woods. Henry is happy, because he knows that Leo loves the woods. His sister tells him that Leo isn’t real, but Henry knows better. By the time the family gets back from their long trek, Henry is falling asleep on his father’s shoulders. As soon as he gets into bed, though, he realizes something is wrong. Leo is missing. The family goes searching, but no Leo. Henry’s mother tries to tell him that Leo isn’t real. On the next several wordless pages, we see Leo being discovered by the forest animals. They work together (with the help of a compass) to figure out where Leo belongs, and to get him as far as the front yard. In the morning, Henry is overjoyed to see Leo. Henry’s father and sister are puzzled, certain that they both looked in that very spot the night before. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
A Kids Book A Day 