The Water Princess
By Susan Verde
What's special about this book?
Imagine the vibrant landscapes of Africa, where the sun rises over a village that yearns for clean drinking water. In *The Water Princess*, young Gie Gie embodies hope and resilience as she dreams of a day when her village will have access to crystal-clear water. Children will be captivated by Gie Gie's journey, while parents and educators will appreciate the powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of clean water, inspiring conversations about global issues and empathy.
Read-aloud tips
Set the scene for your reading by creating a cozy nook with pillows and blankets that mimics the warm earth and wide sky of Gie Gie's kingdom. Use an expressive tone to convey the emotions of Gie Gie's journey, switching between excitement during her dreams and the weight of her daily struggles. Engage your child by asking them to imagine what it would feel like to carry a pot of water and what they might dream about if they could change the world, making the story a shared experience.
Discussion questions
- What does Gie Gie have to do every morning before the sun rises?
- Can you think of a time when you had to work hard for something you wanted? How did that feel?
- If Gie Gie could make one wish for her village, what do you think it would be and why?
Fun activities
After reading *The Water Princess*, take a moment to discuss water in your own lives by creating a 'water journal.' Use a notebook to write down where you get your water from every day and how you use it. This activity reinforces the importance of clean water and encourages children to appreciate the resources they often take for granted. You can also create a simple water filter using a plastic bottle, sand, and gravel to give them a hands-on understanding of how water can be purified, connecting back to Gie Gie's dreams of clean drinking water.