The Water Princess


Written by Susan Verde
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Published in 2016

Why we chose this book: 
It is part of the 2018 March Book Madness, paired against Mother Bruce.

Mom's Review

Gie Gie spends her days walking miles for clean water.

Based on the childhood experience of a model, Georgie Badiel, this story recounts one girl's daily trek for water. Although Gie Gie has many strengths, she is unable to provide local clean water for her family. After a long day obtaining water, which her mother then boils for drinking, she asks her mother why there is no clean water for her village. Her mother has no answer, but encourages her to rectify the problem someday. This book successfully communicates the struggle of families without access to clean water.

Son's Review
(age 3 years)

T started reading this with his father, but finished reading it with me. When I picked up where his dad left off, T told me:
Son: The water princess is getting water 'cuz they need water.
Mom: Is it any good? Do you like her?
Son: Yeah...yeah.

After reading:
Mom: What would you do if you had no water?

Son: Drink clear water.

Mom: But there is no water. What could you drink?

Son: Nothing.

Mom: What if you had to walk for miles to get clean water? How would you feel? Why?

Son: Sad...I'd rather play.

Mom: Would you want to be friends with Gie Gie? What would you do together? Where do you think Gie Gie would most like to go if she visited you in Worcester?

Son: Yeah...play my new game [Don't Miss the Boat]! [We'd go] to the Ecotarium!
(The Ecotarium is our local science museum.)


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