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The Water Princess
Last updated Monday, April 4, 2022
Author: Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0399172580
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2022
Synopsis:
With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.
Inspired by the childhood of African–born model Georgie Badiel, as a child in Burkina Faso, Georgie and the other girls in her village had to walk for miles each day to collect water. This vibrant, engaging picture book sheds light on this struggle that continues all over the world today, instilling hope for a future when all children will have access to clean drinking water.
| Note to readers: |
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This story was inspired by the real childhood experiences of Georgie Badiel, a New York City supermodel who grew up in an African country named Burkina Faso.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Looking at the cover, what do you think this book might be about?
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When you are thirsty, how do you find water to drink? From a faucet? A pitcher in the
refrigerator? A bottle?
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What are some of the ways that you and your family use water at your home?
Vocabulary:
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Chatter -- the sound of people talking
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Command -- to tell someone what to do
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Maintenant -- French for the word "Now"
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Maman -- French for the word "Mother"
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Well -- a natural source of water or a hole dug deep in the earth to reach water found underground
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why do you think Gie Gie and her mother sing together during their long walks to and from the well?
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Why was the walk back home so much harder than the walk to get the water?
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Gie Gie hopes to find access to clean water close to her village someday. Is there a problem in your city or community that you hope will be solved someday?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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