Water Reads: Science Stories for Young Minds

Picture books and pre-reader books for ages 0-8 years 

We provide ISBNs so you can search for and purchase books through any retailer or library you prefer.

Good Night Great Lakes. 2022. Good Night Books. Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper. Part of the Good Night series, this book tours iconic Great Lakes sites such as Split Rock, Apostle Islands, and Arch Rock. ISBN-13: 978-1-60219-848-7.

Good Night Lake. 2008. Good Night Books. Adam Gamble & Harvey Stevenson. A bedtime story celebrating lake activities and wildlife, including fishing, swimming, and observing loons. ISBN-13: 978-1-60219-028-3.

Good Night Loons. 2025. Good Night Books. Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper. A charming board book inspired by Goodnight Moon, introducing children to loon biology and behavior. ISBN-13: 978-1-64907-132-3.

Goodnight Loon. 2013. University of Minnesota Press. Link Here Abe Sauer A fun parody of the classic Goodnight Moon, reimagined for fans of Minnesota’s iconic loon. ISBN-13: 978-0-8166-9-703-8.

Great Lakes All Aboard! Seek and Find Book. 2020. Gibbs Smith Kids. Kevin & Haily Meyers. A seek-and-find book highlighting Great Lakes destinations and activities such as sailing, ice fishing, and kayaking. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-4236-5-532-9.

Great Lakes. 2004. Children’s PR. Kimberly Valzania. Introduces very early readers to the Great Lakes through photographs and simple text. ISBN-13: 978-0-5162-2-758-0.

Hush-a-Bye Night: Goodnight Lake Superior. 2023. Sleeping Bear Press. Thelma Godin & Katie Eberts. A lyrical lullaby to Lake Superior and the flora and fauna that call its shores home. Includes nature facts in the back. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-5341-1-174-5.

Lake Life With You. 2023. Little Simon. Cindy Jin, illustrated by Andrés Landazábal. A rhyming board book that celebrates the simple pleasures of a family trip to the lake, from watching the sunrise and feeding ducks to peaceful nature walks. ISBN-13: 978-1-6659-3-514-2.

Lake Mamas & Babies. 2024. Adventure Publications. Stan Tekiela. Introduces young readers to animals around lakes and their young, including loons, beavers, and otters. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-6475-5-361-6.

Little Loon Finds His Voice. 2021. The Collective Book Studio. Yvonne Pearson. A heartwarming coming-of-age story about a young loon who yearns to trade his small peeps for a strong, echoing call like his father's. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-9514-1-233-3.

Over and Under the Pond. 2017. Chronicle Books. Kate Messner. A large-format, beautifully illustrated book about a mother and child exploring pond life from a rowboat. Realistic portrayals of plants and animals. ISBN-13: 978-1-4521-4-542-6.

My Lake Baby. 2021. Hometown World. Rose Rossner & Louise Anglicas. A sweet, rhyming board book that celebrates the simple joys of a family day spent by the water. Featuring adorable illustrations of baby animals, it follows a little one through a full day of lakeside activities, from building sandcastles and fishing on the dock to roasting s'mores by the campfire. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-7282-3-677-3.

One Spring Up North. 2025. University of Minnesota Press. John Owens. A family canoes through the northern wilderness as it awakens to the warming season in this wordless picture-book journey through the Boundary Waters. ISBN-13: 978-1-5179-1-925-2.

One Summer Up North. 2020. University of Minnesota Press. John Owens. A wordless picture-book journey through the Boundary Waters, canoeing and camping with a family as they encounter the northwoods wilderness in all its spectacular beauty"-- Provided by publisher. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-5179-0-950-5.

One Winter Up North. 2022. University of Minnesota Press. John Owens. A wordless picture book that follows a family's snowy camping adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Through detailed watercolor illustrations, it immerses readers in the quiet beauty of winter as the family snowshoes across frozen lakes, observes animal tracks, and cozies up in a warm tent. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-5179-1-292-5.

The Big Blue Lake. 2021. All About Kids Publishing. Robert W. Armstrong & Janet Broxon. A rhyming bedtime story that watches over various animal families including frogs, beavers, and turtles as they don their pajamas and settle down for sleep in their aquatic homes. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-9801-4-683-7.

The River: An Epic Journey to the Sea. 2016. Caterpillar Books. Hanako Clulow. A rhyming, cut-out book following a fish’s journey from a headwater stream to the sea. Engaging and visually appealing. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-8485-7-666-7.

The Wonder of Rivers (The Wonders Series Book 2). 2021. Self-published. Clare Pillarkins. Presents eight “wonders” of rivers, including their importance for wildlife, energy, and recreation. Vivid illustrations and clear text. ISBN-13: ‎979-8-7780-2-244-7.

The Wonder of Lakes (The Wonders Series Book 3). 2021. Self-published. Clare Pillarkins. Explains nine “wonders” of lakes and how to preserve them. Bright illustrations and simple explanations for young readers. ISBN-13: 979-8-8105-1-599-9.

Water. 2018. Albert Whitman & Co. Carol Lawrence & Francesco Zito. Explores the many aspects and importance of water—its states, roles in weather, and significance to life. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-8075-0-517-5.

Books for ages 5-7

We provide ISBNs so you can search for and purchase books through any retailer or library you prefer.

Agent H₂O Rides the Water Cycle. 2019. Dancing Ants Press. Rita Goldner. A fun, whimsical explanation of the global water cycle through the adventures of a water drop. ISBN-13: 978-0-9978-2-981-5.

All the Water in the World. 2011. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. George Ella Lyon & Katherine Tillotson. A large-format book with colorful illustrations introducing the water cycle and its importance to life. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-4169-7-130-6.

Back to the Lake. 2023. Cleverdale Books. Tommy Rockhurst & Bianca Austria. A rhyming story of a child’s fond memories of lake vacations and the joy of returning. ISBN-13: 979-8-9881-9-390-6.

Far, Far Away. 2025. Charlesbridge. Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Bao Luu. A story about a boy’s first canoe trip with his two moms, learning to appreciate nature despite challenges. ISBN-13: 978-1-6235-4-363-1.

Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World About Water Pollution. 2025. Rocky Pond Books. Julie Winterbottom. A scientist and explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-5936-2-022-9.

Morning on the Lake. 1998. Kids Can Press. Jan Bourdeau Waboose. From an Anishinaabe perspective, a boy and his grandfather explore the lake and forest through the day’s changing light. ISBN-13: 978-1-5507-4-588-7.

Our Lake. 2025. Penguin Random House. Angie Kang. A touching story of two siblings swimming in a lake after their father’s passing; illustrated in gouache. ISBN-13: 978-0-5936-9-823-5.

Pond. 2016. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Jim LaMarche. Beautifully illustrated tale of children restoring a pond and bringing back its ecosystem. ISBN-13: ‎978-1-4814-4-735-5.

Rain Makes Applesauce. 2019. Holiday House. Julian Scheer. Stars are made of lemon juice, dolls go dancing on the moon, and rain makes applesauce. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-8234-4-361-1.

Spooky Lakes Coloring Book. 2025. Abrams Books for Young Readers. Geo Rutherford with Kaitlyn Shanks. An intricate coloring book featuring detailed illustrations of mysterious lakes; best for older children. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-4197-8-410-1.

The Lake I Love. 2023. Arcadia Children’s Books. Ed Shankman & Dave O’Neill. A celebration of summer vacation that captures the sensory details of lake life, from the shock of cold water to the thrill of jumping off the dock. Paired with bright, whimsical illustrations, the story highlights the fun activities and peaceful moments that make the lake a cherished destination for families. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-4671-9-714-4.

The Magic School Bus Wet All Over. A Book About the Water Cycle. 1996. Scholastic. Patricia Relf. A classic explanation of the water cycle from inside the water cycle! ISBN-13: 978-0-5905-0-833-9.

The Water Walker. 2017. Second Story Press. Joane Robertson. The story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin who walked around the Great Lakes to raise awareness. ISBN-13: 978-1-7726-0-038-4.

Water. 1995. Voyager Books. Frank Asch. A visually vibrant concept book that introduces young children to the many forms and functions of water, from rain and dew to tears and deep oceans. Through simple, lyrical text and colorful illustrations, it celebrates water as a precious and essential resource that connects all living things. ISBN-13: 978-0-1520-2-348-5.

Water. 2017. Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. Seymour Simon. All about the water cycle, precipitation, why we need water, and more! Discusses the science of water, including its chemical makeup, its importance to life, its role in climate, and how the cycle works. ISBN-13: 978-0-0624-7-056-0.

Water: A Deep Dive of Discovery. 2021. Barefoot Books. Christy Mihaly. A water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. The book includes tales from around the world. The book’s format encourages reader engagement with fold-outs and hidden water facts. ISBN-13: 978-1-6468-6-280-1.

We Are Water Protectors. 2020. Roaring Brook Press. Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade. A beautifully written, Caldecott Medal–winning story calling for the protection of Earth’s water resources. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-2502-0-355-7.

Books for ages 8-12

We provide ISBNs so you can search for and purchase books through any retailer or library you prefer.

A Journey into a Lake. Carolrhoda Books. Rebecca L. Johnson. An illustrated guide to lake ecosystems and the plants and animals that inhabit them. ISBN-13: 978-1-5750-5-594-7.

All About the Great Lakes. 2020. Blue River Press. Maureen Dunphy, illustrated by Amber Calderon. Nine chapters summarizing the discovery, history, and challenges of the Great Lakes. ISBN-13: 978-1-6815-7-101-0.

Lakes and Ponds. 2018. Nomad Press. Johanna Haney. This educational guide invites middle-grade readers to explore the complex ecosystems of standing freshwater bodies, covering everything from the water cycle to local biodiversity. It includes inquiry-based learning and hands-on STEM activities. ISBN-13: 978-1-6193-0-699-8.

Marshes and Swamps. 2018. Nomad Press. J.K. O’Sullivan. Designed to foster environmental literacy, this book clarifies the distinctions between these two wetland types while highlighting their critical functions in water filtration and flood control. ISBN-13: 978-1-6193-0-706-3.

Rivers and Streams. 2018. Nomad Press. Rebecca Siegel. This book guides students through the journey of waterways from source to sea, emphasizing the physics and biology of currents. The book integrates environmental science with practical experiments, encouraging readers to investigate how watersheds function and why conserving them is essential. ISBN-13: 978-1-6193-0-703-2.

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure. 2024. Alfred A. Knopf. Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Jamey Christoph Richly. Illustrated exploration of the Great Lakes’ formation, ecosystems, and human history. Reviewed by Sea Grant educators. ISBN-13: 978-0-5933-7-435-1.

Water. 2014. National Geographic Kids. Melissa Stewart. Colorful chapters introduce the importance of water and threats to water sources; suitable for grades 2–4. ISBN-13: 978-1-4263-1-474-2.

Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us. 2022. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Olga Fadeeva, translated by Len Traer. Detailed and beautifully illustrated overview of water in all its forms and its importance to life. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-8028-5-622-7.

Water: Why Every Drop Counts—and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It. 2023. National Geographic. Lisa M. Gerry. In-depth exploration of water conservation, protection, and global significance. ISBN-13: 978-1-4263-7-355-8.

You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Clean Water. 2015. Franklin Watts. Roger Canavan. This title is filled with eye-opening fun facts, like how much water you use every day and the many ways water is used in our lives. ISBN-13: 978-0-5312-1-310-0.

Books for ages 12-18

We provide ISBNs so you can search for and purchase books through any retailer or library you prefer.

Lakes: A Very Short Introduction. 2018. Oxford University Press. Warwick Vincent. Concise, authoritative overview of lake science by a renowned Canadian limnologist. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-1987-6-673-5.

Lakes: Their Birth, Life and Death. 2022. Timber Press. John Richard Saylor. A conversational yet informative text on the origins, evolution, and eventual decline of lakes. ISBN-13: 978-1-6432-6-048-8.

Pond Life. 2001. St. Martin’s Press. George K. Reid, illustrated by Sally D. Kalcher & Tom Dolan. A detailed Golden Guide with taxonomic keys to pond organisms; excellent for field study. ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-5823-8-130-5.

Ponds and Small Lakes. 2017. Pelagic Publishing. Brian Moss. Advanced reference by a British limnologist, including scientific details and identification keys. ISBN-13: 978-1-7842-7-135-0.

Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet. 2025. Abrams Books for Young Readers. Geo Rutherford. Explores eerie and unusual lakes worldwide, based on the author’s viral TikTok series. ISBN-13: 978-1-4197-7-053-1.

The Lakeside Companion. 2018. University of Wisconsin Press. Ted J. Rulseh. Engaging and conversational guide packed with accurate scientific information about lakes. ISBN-13:‎ 978-0-2993-2-000-3.

The Rootbeer Lady: The Story of Dorothy Molter. 2002. University of Minnesota Press. Bob Cary. This biography chronicles the life of Dorothy Molter, the last non-indigenous resident permitted to live within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. ISBN-13: 978-0-8166-4-196-3.