Riparia’s River
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Multicultural Book Award
“A fairy tale about water and a lesson on how kids can help clean up their streams and ponds—long live Riparia!” —Alice Outwater, author of Water: A Natural History
By Michael J. Caduto. Illustrated by Olga Pastuchiv
Tilbury House Publishers, Farmington, Maine, 2011.
32 pages, 9 x 10, full-color illustrations. Grades 3 to 6.
Hardcover
Gretchen, Jason, Mark and Daphne are horrified to find their favorite swimming hole filled with green slime. A mysterious, almost magical naturalist named Riparia helps the children understand why the water became polluted. Together with a community of friends and neighbors they figure out how to bring clean water back to the river they all love. This story about the nature of a river and how it is affected by pollution is filled with information and action. Lush, realistic illustrations illuminate the children’s passion for their river and the ecosystem it supports.
A “Teacher’s Take Note” supplement provides detailed information about riparian buffers and non-point pollution, plus activity extensions, further explorations and resources. Find it online: www.tilburyhouse.com
"The spirit of rivers comes alive—literally—in Michael J. Caduto’s charming new children’s book, Riparia’s River. By gently teaching a small group of children about river systems and habitats, Riparia empowers the children to lead a community effort to restore an ecosystem badly out of balance. The combination of education, empowerment and action make the book ideal for inspiring readers to care about all water resources.” —Dennis L. Nelson, President and CEO of the Project WET Foundation
Michael Caduto also offers a workshop about riparian environments called: Buffers & Bridges: Using Stories to Connect Science & Stewardship. Bookings can be arranged through this website.