Portis's main text is spare and accessible, with occasional, effective use of figurative language . The many permutations of water (not the book's protagonist) are the focus of the crisp, uncluttered, primarily aqua-colored illustrations -- The Horn Book Magazine , Starred Review This simple introduction to water is an ideal read-aloud for the youngest scientists. Bold, beautiful, and equally simple illustrations are rendered with brush, sumi ink, and digital color. Both school and public libraries will want this striking first science book on their shelves.-- School Library Journal, Starred Review The text creates an easy-going, conversational tone while maintaining a good balance of scientific knowledge, everyday observation, and a child's perspective. A handsome picture book that's well suited to reading aloud, especially for classroom units on water. -- Booklist Portis' latest picture book is a joyful, lyrical celebration of water. Done with brush and sumi ink and then digitally colored, Portis' bold illustrations undulate on the page--raindrops roar and pour; dwarfing a whale, oceans surge (even on the endpapers).

An energetic and literary introduction to water science by the author/illustrator of the award-winning Not a Box (2006).-- Kirkus Reviews Portis narrates in a conversational tone-- 'Hey, water! I know you! You're all around.' But her story tackles a tricky cognitive task--recognizing an element that masquerades in different states. The same element can exist in several different forms, the words imply--our senses don't always tell us the truth about identity. Notes at the end with additional illustrations provide more information about states of matter, the water cycle, and conservation. --Publishers Weekly a lively celebration with enough factuality to be thought-provoking for youngsters just learning about earth science and conservation.-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.