Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Through the story of a fictional Diné boy named Cody, McGinty introduces Darlene Arviso, known as the Water Lady, who delivers water to Navajo Nation families that do not have running water (40%, per an author's note). Waking to discover that his mother has used the last of the family's water supply, Cody worries about their farm animals and himself: "the sun will blaze from the sky, another scorching day in the high desert. And he is thirsty." As Cody's grandmother relays to him the story of the Water Sprinkler, "the Navajo God of Water who collects water in a jar and sprinkles it" in all directions, Arviso finishes her job driving a school bus, then visits a water tower to fill a tanker truck with 3,000 gallons before steering to Cody's home, and to others'. Navajo artist Begay's vibrant ink and watercolor art brings a stirring emotional undercurrent to this community-oriented narrative. An author's note discusses the story's origins in a ride McGinty took with Arviso, who contributes a note of her own. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
In this illuminating story about a contemporary child's experience with water insecurity, set in the Navajo Nation, Cody wakes up thirsty, and the three big blue water barrels outside his house are all empty. How will his family keep the animals safe on this hot day, or wash the dishes, or refill their water glasses? But his grandmother knows something Cody doesn't -- the Water Lady is on her way. In a parallel narrative, Darlene Arviso is shown getting her own grandchildren ready for school, finishing her morning job as a school bus driver, getting into her yellow water truck, and driving up to Cody's house, where she is greeted warmly -- and where, as one of the ten stops she will make that day, she refills the blue water barrels. The watercolor illustrations by Dineh' (Navajo) artist Begay use texture and color to highlight the dry desert landscape, and endpapers show the yellows of the dust and the blues of landscape and water mixing together. A brief glossary is included, and an author's note gives additional information about both Arviso and the Navajo Nation, emphasizing Arviso as an important community figure. A final note by Arviso herself expresses hope that her services will no longer be needed someday and that younger generations will listen to stories of Navajo history and tradition. Laura Koenig March/April 2021 p.120(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An elegant reminder that water is central to life. Set on the sprawling Diné reservation, this beautifully illustrated picture book will educate young readers about the beauty and rigors of life on the high-desert plateau. Young Cody wakes up thirsty, but the cup near his bed is empty, as is the water bucket his mother relies on in the kitchen. His older siblings head off to catch the school bus, and Cody runs to check on the water barrels outside. It's a scorching hot day. The land is dry. The horses, chickens, and dogs are thirsty, too. But Cody's family, like many families on his reservation, do not have running water, and they must wait for the water lady, Darlene, to replenish their stores. Begay's watercolors capture the mauve and pink hues of the juniper and piñon arroyos, bespeaking his #ownvoices knowledge of Navajo Nation. The velvet dresses, turquoise jewelry, and artwork on walls reveal a sovereign people with ancient ties to the land. With lyrical language and friendly faces emerging on each page, it is the image of the water lady, moving from her job driving a yellow school bus to her job driving a yellow water truck, that will stick in the minds of readers, revealing the conservationists' spirit that still pervades in a simple Diné lifestyle. An author's note addresses the fight for wells and more readily available water; it's followed by a note from Darlene Arviso herself. A list of sources and a well-placed glossary seal the deal. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 39.3% of actual size.) This quiet yet touching story will open young readers' eyes in a multitude of ways. (author's note, sources, glossary) (Picture book. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
