I've spent the last two days writing about how we should embrace individuality. Today, I'd like to tell you about an author and illustrator who was lucky enough to discover his passion at an early age, and has celebrated his individuality throughout his entire life. It just so happens that this author/artist created a masterpiece of a book about the water cycle.
Thomas Locker's Water Dance combines breathtaking paintings with beautiful, poetic
words. It truly is one of the most innovative and inspiring works of children's literature that I've ever seen. This book is not just a picture book; it's an astounding example of the beauty that can be found when an author puts his heart and soul into a piece of work. I would consider it to be a must read for all children and adults.
Thomas Locker has a passion for nature, which shines through in all of his books. He makes nature the focus of his books, instead of just part of the background. His paintings illuminate the wonder of the world we all share.
It's hard to describe in words what makes this book, and all of his books, so special. Maybe it's that the paintings are so powerful that they can convey their meaning without any words at all. Maybe it's the poetry that complements them so perfectly. Maybe it's just that passion is contagious, and is often communicated in mysterious ways. Or maybe it's the author's ability to capture the mystery of nature itself.
Water Dance should definitely be read from beginning to end, without stopping for discussion. There is a flow to it that must not be interrupted. Of course, you may want to take your time looking at the paintings, but do not say anything other than the words that Thomas Locker has written.
At the end of the book, Candace Christiansen, an author who also was a science teacher, provides details about the water cycle. She includes an explanation of each stage of the water cycle, through each of the paintings. If your child seems interested, you can go over this information together a little bit at a time.
Anytime you can combine art with a subject, it makes the learning experience more meaningful for students. In this case, art, science, and poetry are integrated. Since April is National Poetry Month in the USA, and Earth Day is on April 22nd, Water Dance fits in perfectly with the themes of April. I will be mentioning some of Thomas Locker's other books over the next month. In the meantime, there are a couple of other children's books by Thomas Locker that you might want to look for.
Cloud Dance is done in the same style as Water Dance, and provides information about the different types of clouds and the water cycle.
The Man Who Paints Nature is a photographic autobiography of Thomas Locker. It really is a wonderful first biography for children in the primary grades. Best of all, it shows how his passion for nature, painting, and writing children's books developed from the time he was a child. To me, Thomas Locker is a wonderful example of a person who was able to find ways to use his strengths and talents to make the world a better place.
Even though we all need to find ways to embrace our individuality, like Thomas Locker has, there are times when we all need to come together for a common cause. Please join me, and millions of other people around the world, in turning off your lights and electrical appliances for one hour on March 28th, for Earth Hour 2009.
Here's to a healthy planet for each and every one of us!