Of Words and Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman—Writer, Historian, Environmentalist

Nature and aquatic imagery infuse the flowing lines of this picture book biography of Appalachian writer Wilma Dykeman (1920–2006). An initial scene shows the figure as an infant gesturing toward the French Broad River, while proceeding pages display her seasonal appreciation for the beings that rely on watery environments. While bereavement and financial hardships punctuate Dykeman’s transition to adulthood, the narrative remains upbeat as it recounts its heroine’s marriage and subsequent efforts to research, write, and publish. Dykeman’s output proves pivotal in motivating the public to tackle regional river pollution. “Wilma’s messages were as constant/ as rivers rolling toward the sea:/ Be good to the earth,/ Fair to other people,/ Use words to fight injustice.” Page’s diorama-like mixed-media art incorporates cut paper, three-dimensional figures, and naïf drawings for a simple, homespun quality that suits this rousing story of writerly determination. An author’s note concludes. Ages 7–12. (Apr.)