• Age: 7 to 9
• Grade: 2 to 4

Drip?Drop?Splash! Water is essential to all forms of life. Explore Water! 25 Great Projects, Activities, Experiments, captures a child’s imagination with an intriguing look at the world of water.
Combining hands-on activities with history and science, kids will have fun learning about the water cycle, water resources, drinking water and sanitation, water pollution and conservation, water use, water folklore and festivals, and the latest in water technology. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary.
Projects include a nilometer, a rain harvester made out of plastic containers, a transpiration experiment, and a mini water wheel. Auxiliary materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Anita Yasuda was (gasp) a girl who couldn’t keep out of her local Sanrio Gift Gate. An avid collector of Japanese pop memorabilia from the 1970s, including textiles and anime, she made friends with Hello Kitty*R while a schoolgirl in Japan. She is the author of Japanese Children’s Fabrics: 1950s-1970s and Japanese Anime Linens: 1970s to Present, both for Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Anita Yasuda's profile page

Bryan Stone's profile page

Green Teacher Magazine
"The best thing about Anita Yasuda’s Explore Water! are the hands-on ideas for teachers and students."
Eclectic homeschool
"Explore Water! exceeds requirements for elementary science study in several ways. Beginning with a description of water, the information moves through seven subjects, answering the basic questions about water cycles, water works, water pollution and water as a resource. . .If you’re looking for a resource book for general science, involving water science, this is an easy read with excellent recipes and diagrams. Explore Water! makes an great resource for unit studies too. It's written for 6-9 year olds but can be used through the elementary years to reinforce lessons or as a base for further exploration. "
Skipping Stones
"Hands-on activities, fun facts, engaging illustrations and silly water jokes create an informative and entertaining book on the importance and value of water. Reluctant readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to learn more about water and science."
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
"This lovely book by Anita Yasuda is full of projects related to water - including the water cycle. The text is written so that it can be easily read by emergent readers ages 6-9, or it makes a wonderful read aloud. Not only does the book do an excellent job of introducing children to water science, but there are also fun projects about the weather, clouds, shadufs, snowflakes, and more. . "
School Library Journal
"It’s impossible to read this book and not turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Children will come away with obscure facts and broad understandings about this vital resource. "
NSTA Recommends
"Young scientists will enjoy this illustrated lab manual dealing with water. The 25 projects cover many aspects of water study, from historical Rome to making music with water-filled bowls. The book is illustrated by Bryan Stone, whose whimsical artwork will entice young readers."
Children's Literature
"Part of the “Explore Your World” series, Yasuda takes young readers on a wild water ride. “Can you guess who I am?” she writes in the introduction. “I have been here since Earth began. I splash and spill. I drip and drop. You use me, play in me, and drink me...Can you guess who I am? Water!” This energetic book looks at where we find water, the water cycle, water and weather, water works--including waterpower--water pollution and conservation, and water in art. The writing is clear and enticing. The 25 projects have a variety of levels of difficulty. For example, the waterfall sculpture could be made by any age child, while young children building the hair hygrometer might need adult help with the logistics. The illustrations are fun. Since water is so central to the book, the illustrator chose to make a droplet into a cartoon character, with glasses and a quirky smile. Another admirable part is Yasuda’s many short sidebars including one called “Meet a Scientist.” She highlights at least five different scientists who are connected with water. Many students will enjoy this book as they learn water basics. "
William Cosgrove, Past President, World Water Council
?As the world population grows there is less water for each person. What a wonderful way to teach young people that water is precious?too precious to waste and pollute.”
Asit K. Biswas, Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, 2006
?Water is an increasingly important resource issue and this generation will have to manage
water much better than earlier generations. This book will teach young people that water is an important resource that must be properly used, valued and enjoyed.”