The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure

The Great Lakes—“five blue jewels set a bit off center in a belt across North America’s middle”—get their due in this ardent introduction. Informative moments abound in Rosenstock’s profile, which encompasses discussion of the lakes’ glacial origins, resident life, and incredible currents and volume. Text frequently urges perspective-taking, as when describing the 300-plus-year voyage a single drop of water might take as it ventures from Lake Superior to Niagara Falls (“If you were a drop of water”). With the help of a full-spread infographic of water bottles, the book turns to environmental matters, effectively underscoring the global scarcity of freshwater and the lakes’ critical role in providing it, and impressing upon readers the need for preservation. Christoph evokes Midwestern landscapes with soft washes of color and luminous lighting; digitally combined drawings and watercolor paintings prove a ready companion to the illuminating text. An author’s note and resources conclude. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)