• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: k to 3

Twelve children from around the world describe how water appears in their environment, and what it means to them. Their differing experiences are united by the phrase "water is life," translated into each of their languages.

Around the world, water appears in many forms: a snowflake, an oasis, the stream from a faucet, monsoon rain. In Water's Children, twelve young people describe what water means to them. The descriptions are as varied as the landscapes the speakers inhabit, but each of them also expresses, in their own language, a universal truth: Water is life.

Accompanied by the glowing illustrations of Gérard Frischeteau, Water's Children is a celebration of our world's most precious resource and will encourage thoughtful discussion among young readers and listeners. The narrators' words, lyrically written by Angèle Delaunois, offer emotional and sensory details that bring their experiences to life. On the final page, a guide identifies the languages in which the phrase "water is life" appears in water marks on each spread throughout the book, with thanks to the individuals who provided the translations, helping to craft this truly global story.

Originally published in French and nominated for the prestigious TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, Water's Children has now been translated into six languages in eight countries around the world.

Angèle Delaunois was born in France and immigrated to Canada as a young woman. She earned a degree in visual arts at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, where she went on to work as a department head for ten years. Since then she has worked as a textile designer, a manager of book and toy consumer protection reports, the managing editor of the publishers éditions Héritage and éditions Pierre Tisseyre, and the founder of the publishing company éditions de l’Isatis. During that time she has also written books in nearly every genre, with a special love for children’s nonfiction. Angèle’s works have been translated into eight languages and nominated for many prestigious awards.

Angèle Delaunois' profile page

Gérard Frischeteau has fond memories of the first box of crayons he ever owned. Born in France, he now lives in Montreal, Quebec, where he is a well-known animator, commercial artist, and illustrator of chidren's books. A true perfectionist, he is committed to thorough research that brings authenticity to each of his works.

Gérard Frischeteau's profile page

Erin Woods has been translating children's books since 2015, and has loved them all her life. She would like to thank her parents for forcing her into French Immersion, even though at five years old she was sure it was the end of the world—or at least her social life. Erin lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Erin Woods' profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

Praise for Water's Children: Celebrating the Resource That Unites Us All

2017 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

"A tribute to the essential substance, washed free of preachiness or even faintly cautionary messages."—Kirkus Reviews

"[A] quietly engaging picture book...This book is a worthwhile addition to collections where there is a need for materials on a global perspective—especially on the role of water—or where primary classrooms study water and the water cycle."—School Library Connection

"[A] unique title that explores the vital importance of water through the lens of what water means to twelve children from around the world. Written in poetic form...their (translated) answers are inspiring."—Resource Links

"Both the text and the illustrations serve to unify the world in a common theme, something that isn't often done well in children's books, but is done in both a matter of fact and sensitive way by Delaunois and Frischeteau. The text is poetic and would be wonderful read-aloud with, by and for children to demonstrate that water doesn't just flow out of a tap. Water is often taken for granted, and Water's Children is a unique way to introduce the importance of water throughout the world....Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

"Gérard Frischeteau's vibrant, digitally rendered illustrations aptly portray the landscapes and components of daily life in each country visited. Of added interest is the inclusion of the phrase 'water is life,' which has been translated into each child's language and script and placed within watermarks on each two-page spread. Even the swirls depicting water in this publications endpapers serve as a palpable reminder about the necessity to protect and conserve this fragile resource throughout the world."—Canadian Children's BookNews

"Accompanied by the glowing illustrations of Gerard Frischeteau, Water's Children by Angele Delaunois (and ably translated into English by Erin Woods) is a celebration of our world's most precious resource and will encourage thoughtful discussion among young readers and listeners. A unique and memorable picture book...Unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for children ages 4 to 8, Water's Children will prove to be an enduringly popular and appreciated addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections."—Midwest Book Review

"Written in poetic form, and accompanied by light-infused illustrations that are full of life and detail, it is a book that will be appreciated in classrooms and at home."—Sal's Fiction Addiction

"The text itself is poetic and dreamy....There are different colors and moods on every page....Young readers will understand, through the text and illustrations, that some children struggle to get the water they need to drink and produce food."—Youth Services Book Review

"Water is essential to life – around the world beautifully illustrated here by Gerard Frischeteau....This book would work well as a storytime for kindergarteners through 2nd grade followed by discussion. It could be used as a stepping-off point for essays."—Youth Services Book Review

"[A] luscious picture book that celebrates the many ways water is universal to us all."—The Pirate Tree

"I loved flipping to the back of the book and seeing where each child was from and what language 'Water is Life' was translated into. This was my favorite thing about the book."—Jewel, Age 9, Kids' BookBuzz

"Quebec author, visual artist and publisher Angèle Delaunois takes the reader across the world to witness the importance of water to the children of different countries....The artwork of Montreal animator, graphic artist and illustrator Gérard Frischeteau rings with authenticity, depicting each global child in both personal and expansive landscapes, often providing details about daily life and family....an extraordinarily inspirational examination of the importance of water throughout the world."—CanLit for LittleCanadians

"My 3-yo and I spent a lot of time pouring over [Water's Children]....What a great discussion about diversity. She easily grasped the idea that water exists all over the world and is of vital importance to everyone. We ended our reading by brainstorming ways that we can help conserve the water around us and in our household, specifically."—Raising Mom

"Responsible stewardship is written between the lines of Water's Children...Translated from French, the simple text is beautifully illustrated by Gérard Frischeteau. The author and illustrator seamlessly show that water is, indeed, life."—Hakai Magazine

"The poetic text is accompanied by expressive artwork that examines the importance of water throughout the world."—Omnilibros

"Take a journey with this poetic nonfiction picture book to find out how important water is to children everywhere, even to those who have not yet been born."—The International Educator

"Water's Children is a unique look into a natural resource that unites all of us."—Brigham Young University, Children's Books & Media Review