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 Burkina Faso–born model Georgie Badiel, acclaimed author Susan Verde and award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have come together to tell this moving story. 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.
"Verde’s poetic language reflects the length and difficulty of Gie Gie and her mother’s trek, along with the positive spirit the girl brings to the task. Toward the end, the implicit injustice of the situation is addressed directly: 'Maman,' Gie Gie asks, 'Why is the water so far? Why is the water not clear? Where is our water?' They are questions that readers will want answered, too." — Publishers Weekly
Recommended Age | 4 - 8 |
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Author | Susan Verde, Georgie Badiel |
Illustrator | Peter H. Reynolds |
ISBN | 0399172580 |
Publication Date | Sep 13, 2016 |
Publisher | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers |
Language | English |