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Can Be . . . Books
Water Can Be . . .
Water can be a Thirst quencher Kid drencher Cloud fluffer Fire snuffer Find out about the many roles water plays in this poetic exploration of water throughout the year.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Laura Purdie Salas
124 books163 followersLaura Purdie Salas is the author of more than 130 books for kids and teens, including WATER CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2014), A LEAF CAN BE... (Millbrook, 2012), and BOOKSPEAK! POEMS ABOUT BOOKS (Clarion, 2011). She loves to introduce kids to poetry and help them find poems they can relate to, no matter what their age, mood, and personality.
Laura is a thinker, a cupcake and brownie addict, and an adventurer (as long as it doesn't involve skydiving).
Laura is a thinker, a cupcake and brownie addict, and an adventurer (as long as it doesn't involve skydiving).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 4, 2024
چرا من انقدر از این کتاب نیم وجبی خوشم اومد آخه؟ ترکیب موزون بودن متن و تصاویر دوست‌داشتنیش خیلی دلنشین بود. اینکه به آب اینجوری فکر کنی رو هم خیلی دوست داشتم
کتاب رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۵/۱۳
کتاب رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۵/۱۳
August 4, 2024
لطیف بود و کاربرد های مختلف رو آورده بود.
یه ترکیب جدید از توش یاد گرفتم! مائده با کتاب‌هایی که میذاره معلم زبان بودنش رو ادامه میده.
یه ترکیب جدید از توش یاد گرفتم! مائده با کتاب‌هایی که میذاره معلم زبان بودنش رو ادامه میده.
July 22, 2020
Water Can Be... is a strong rhyming picture book that teaches readers about water, its various states, its cycle, and its uses.
Lovely pictures showcase the rhyming text. On most pages, only one concept is highlighted; there is further information about each of these ideas in a four-page section at the back. There's also a glossary to help younger readers understand some of the more unfamiliar terms.
I would recommend this book to those who are interested in learning about water, as well as to those who enjoy rhyming non-fiction picture books with evocative illustrations.
Quotable moment:
Lovely pictures showcase the rhyming text. On most pages, only one concept is highlighted; there is further information about each of these ideas in a four-page section at the back. There's also a glossary to help younger readers understand some of the more unfamiliar terms.
I would recommend this book to those who are interested in learning about water, as well as to those who enjoy rhyming non-fiction picture books with evocative illustrations.
Quotable moment:
December 18, 2013
This beautiful combination of poetic verse and illustrations will be a wonderful addition to any classroom library collection. The notes and references at the back of the book are an additional strength of this one. I look forward to sharing this with students and teachers.
ARC provided through NetGalley
ARC provided through NetGalley
January 11, 2014
To folks who say nonfiction can’t be fun, I say, “read this.” Like Laura's previous book, A LEAF CAN BE, WATER CAN BE is a lyrical read-aloud. I’d argue that children much younger than age five would enjoy both the poetry and bright illustrations. Laura includes extensive back matter, for example, additional information about how water makes clouds, houses tadpoles, and feeds otters. I love that she’s included this information at the end rather than on each page, which would disrupt the flow of her verse. She also includes a glossary and places to find additional information.
January 2, 2022
I adore this "Can Be..." series. Every page is a masterpiece of imaginative fun and discovery.
Water Can Be... is exactly the kind of book I would give a new mother to read to her child for years to come. These books will certainly become classics.
Water Can Be... is exactly the kind of book I would give a new mother to read to her child for years to come. These books will certainly become classics.
August 24, 2025
Lovely illustrations. Informative. Love the words---they flow like a song.
May 12, 2014
Poetic and dreamy. This picture book about the many wonders of water is simple yet elegant. The illustrations by Violeta Dabjija are a lovely accompaniment to Laura Purdie Salas' poetry. It includes 5 pages of back matter- Lines from the book are explained in detail with interesting facts. A glossary and a list of resources for further reading are also included. Poetry and nonfiction rolled into one terrific picture book.
December 16, 2013
In the same vein as A Leaf Can Be..., Water Can Be... is magically illustrated, poetic, and filled with great endnotes and glossary. Look forward to this one in 2014.
March 9, 2014
All the things water can be and do.
June 7, 2014
Imaginative, poetical... covers all the forms water can take throughout the seasons...
June 14, 2020
‘Water can be…’ is a non-fiction book that shows the reader all the wonderful uses of water. It introduces the idea that snow is made up of water, by working through the different forms water can take through the seasons. These forms are then explained at the end of the book in more detail for the more curious reader.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and so clearly show the intention of the words. Full of blues and greens to match the colour of water, these pictures would be brilliant for replicating in the classroom, making children think about their use of colours.
This non-fiction book could be turned into a poem with older children. If the children pick one page, one purpose of water, and use the illustration to help, this could very quickly become a whole lass poetry book using the theme of water.
Looking at the end of the book, the information about the different uses of water could be used to help practise non-fiction writing. Instead of looking at the uses of water children could maybe research the importance of water in different countries. Do we in England treat it differently to people in Kenya for example. Non-fiction writing can then be created from the information that is collected, with a focus on comparing similarities and differences.
This book could also be used in science to introduce the idea of water taking different forms. It is shown to be a solid in the form of ice, and taking a more gaseous state in the form of fog. The book demonstrates the water cycle as water can be a “cloud fluffer”, “storm creator” and “garden soaker”. This inspires questions of ‘how?’ The book begins to explain this at the end, and this could be used to open water-based science topics.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and so clearly show the intention of the words. Full of blues and greens to match the colour of water, these pictures would be brilliant for replicating in the classroom, making children think about their use of colours.
This non-fiction book could be turned into a poem with older children. If the children pick one page, one purpose of water, and use the illustration to help, this could very quickly become a whole lass poetry book using the theme of water.
Looking at the end of the book, the information about the different uses of water could be used to help practise non-fiction writing. Instead of looking at the uses of water children could maybe research the importance of water in different countries. Do we in England treat it differently to people in Kenya for example. Non-fiction writing can then be created from the information that is collected, with a focus on comparing similarities and differences.
This book could also be used in science to introduce the idea of water taking different forms. It is shown to be a solid in the form of ice, and taking a more gaseous state in the form of fog. The book demonstrates the water cycle as water can be a “cloud fluffer”, “storm creator” and “garden soaker”. This inspires questions of ‘how?’ The book begins to explain this at the end, and this could be used to open water-based science topics.
July 27, 2017
Love this cute book and can't wait to use it in my classroom!
September 1, 2018
Water is necessary for life and is helpful in its many forms. Great illustrations. More interesting information is at the back of the book.
October 21, 2020
This beautifully illustrated and rhyming non fiction book features water’s roles on earth, one a page, providing lots of prompts for further discussion with young learners.
March 16, 2018
These informational books are wonderful to have in the classroom as the beautiful illustrations and facts included are great ways to learn. I would like to use this during my nature lesson so we could use the fun facts about water.
January 12, 2014
The words and watercolor illustrations of this poetic description of water are a wonderful combination. The pictures work so seamlessly with the text, bringing each phrase to life whether it is "kid drencher" or "tadpole hatcher." The seasons of the year progress through the book with scenes like a rainy spring day, summer fun in a sprinkler, a drinking fountain at school, and frost on a window pane. Each vignette displays a role of water in our lives and the world around us. The "More About water" section in the back explains each role more fully, even going into details about the water cycle and the insulating properties of snow. There is also a glossary and list of books for further reading.
Readers who enjoy poems or rhyming stories will like this book. It would be perfect in a school setting to use with a poetry or descriptive writing unit, to introduce a science unit on water, or an art unit on watercolors.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Readers who enjoy poems or rhyming stories will like this book. It would be perfect in a school setting to use with a poetry or descriptive writing unit, to introduce a science unit on water, or an art unit on watercolors.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 5, 2014
Poetry and nonfiction rolled up into one gorgeous book that young children will want to read over and over again. This book exceeded my expectations, which is really saying something considering they were pretty darn high to begin with, what with the starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. To read it is a magical experience. The language is clever and vibrant, and the illustrations, rich and absorbing. Ms. Salas will also be contributing a portion of her royalties to WaterAid which makes me love this book all the more. Sharing WATER CAN BE... with a child is like a giving a hug to the earth.
June 21, 2014
GREAT book for introducing the concept of states of matter to little ones. Some of my 2 - 3 year olds were blown AWAY when I told them ice was super-cold water. The illustrations are really nice, too, and it was fun to look closely at them with my older age group and talk about what we saw in relation to the corresponding line of poetry.
January 26, 2015
Great illustrations for primary students to learn about the water cycle, but the vocabulary might be a little too high for them. I also wish they'd used different typography for the front cover & inside text.
December 16, 2013
Simply beautiful. I love this one even more than A LEAF CAN BE...
March 14, 2016
Lyrical, creative, beautiful illustrations. A wonderful title to add to classroom, library, or home shelves.
May 17, 2016
A lovely little book illustrating all the things that water can be and do.
February 20, 2019
Just like the previous book ‘A Leaf Can Be’, this book is magical. Using wonderful watercolor illustrations and words that flow, both the author Laura Purdie Salas and the illustrator Violeta Dabija have once again seamlessly blended their talents to create a wow factor with simplicity, with words and pictures that are at once sublime and superb. As we turn the pages, we can see the many phases and faces of water as the seasons change. For example, water can be a kid drencher, or a rainbow jeweler; it can be a puddle or the sea! The backmatter includes a lot of useful information – a glossary, a list of books for further reading, and a useful index called ‘More about Water’ which goes into some detail into the water cycle and more.
Laura’s website includes guides and activities that can be used with the book in a classroom for kids both young and old; or at home for some rainy afternoon.
Rating: A+
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8
Reread Level: 5/5
Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for sending me a digital review copy of the book above. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on the book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read it..
Laura’s website includes guides and activities that can be used with the book in a classroom for kids both young and old; or at home for some rainy afternoon.
Rating: A+
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8
Reread Level: 5/5
Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for sending me a digital review copy of the book above. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on the book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read it..
June 1, 2023
A book that takes an informal look into what water can be depending upon its form whether it is liquid, gas or solid.
The book isn't really fancy in its text for basically there are two or three spots where there are more than four statements about water and its various forms before picking a season although the following pages don't lean back upon the season for context. Instead every page following this broad statement is just a simple statement like a thirst quencher, a salmon highway, decorator, otter feeder, etc. A few examples like school drink-er doesn't quite make sense unless the author is wanting you to take in the abstract that you are 97% water instead of being the one that water is a school drink.
The illustrations are brightly colored in most regards and quite beautiful when it comes to the natural elements. At the same time it does evoke the feel of being inspired by Japanese nature paintings at some points although the human and animal characters are a bit more cartoonish thus off-balance the rest of the illustration style.
All in all it was an okay read but one that may be much better for much younger readers who are just learning words, especially those in which the subject can be so much more than just a single concept.
The book isn't really fancy in its text for basically there are two or three spots where there are more than four statements about water and its various forms before picking a season although the following pages don't lean back upon the season for context. Instead every page following this broad statement is just a simple statement like a thirst quencher, a salmon highway, decorator, otter feeder, etc. A few examples like school drink-er doesn't quite make sense unless the author is wanting you to take in the abstract that you are 97% water instead of being the one that water is a school drink.
The illustrations are brightly colored in most regards and quite beautiful when it comes to the natural elements. At the same time it does evoke the feel of being inspired by Japanese nature paintings at some points although the human and animal characters are a bit more cartoonish thus off-balance the rest of the illustration style.
All in all it was an okay read but one that may be much better for much younger readers who are just learning words, especially those in which the subject can be so much more than just a single concept.
November 20, 2017
We read this book in my children’s lit class and I can’t remember the exact date so I’m placing it under today. What can water be? Water can be anything it needs to be, which is the point of this book. It is a beautiful illustrated book that lets kids imagine a different purpose for an everyday item. The pictures have a watercolor quality and the paper really lets the colors explode off the page. Pages are busy with lots of things but it doesn’t detract from the overall quality. The text boxes are minimally placed and serve to accentuate the story and illustration instead of driving the book. I liked this book in so much as it lets you have creative fun with normal items and thinking up different purposes. I would like to use this in a classroom setting giving kids different items and let them think of different uses for them, or things that can be and make kids think outside of the box.
October 3, 2019
Summary:
This is a nonfiction poetry book. It shows a variety of things water can do. This includes how people use it, animals use it, and how it interacts with the land. It provides pictures along with the clever phrases so the reader is able to understand what is meant. For example a fire fighter is shown with the words fire snuffer.
Evaluation:
I enjoyed this book. It was a easy read and provides a lot of information for students who are learning about water. The author did a great job showing the different ways water can be use as well as the different forms water can be. It was informative and colorful which appeals to the young readers.
Teaching Idea:
This could be a quick and easy read aloud when teaching about the water cycle and the different ways water can be used. It demonstrates how water can be used in different forms through everyday life. For example it shows how ice heals a bruise and how water puts out fires.
This is a nonfiction poetry book. It shows a variety of things water can do. This includes how people use it, animals use it, and how it interacts with the land. It provides pictures along with the clever phrases so the reader is able to understand what is meant. For example a fire fighter is shown with the words fire snuffer.
Evaluation:
I enjoyed this book. It was a easy read and provides a lot of information for students who are learning about water. The author did a great job showing the different ways water can be use as well as the different forms water can be. It was informative and colorful which appeals to the young readers.
Teaching Idea:
This could be a quick and easy read aloud when teaching about the water cycle and the different ways water can be used. It demonstrates how water can be used in different forms through everyday life. For example it shows how ice heals a bruise and how water puts out fires.
May 27, 2020
Picture book
Grades K-2
I read one book by Laura Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabija and loved it so much I checked out another. One aspect of their books that I'm impressed by is the illustrations. Dabija has done a fantastic job of making them colorful as well as whimsical. I'm quite drawn to books with wonderful illustrations, as I believe the colors and creativity of quality artwork is a feast for the soul as well as for the eyes. I think students need to be introduced to beautiful, artful, accurate drawings at an early age. The other aspect of the books that draws me is the simple yet imaginative text. Each page has two words and each two pages rhymes. I think the texts by this duo would make great read alouds for younger kiddos and fantastic poetry mentor texts for older students. I hope to purchase the set of these Can Be... books.
Grades K-2
I read one book by Laura Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabija and loved it so much I checked out another. One aspect of their books that I'm impressed by is the illustrations. Dabija has done a fantastic job of making them colorful as well as whimsical. I'm quite drawn to books with wonderful illustrations, as I believe the colors and creativity of quality artwork is a feast for the soul as well as for the eyes. I think students need to be introduced to beautiful, artful, accurate drawings at an early age. The other aspect of the books that draws me is the simple yet imaginative text. Each page has two words and each two pages rhymes. I think the texts by this duo would make great read alouds for younger kiddos and fantastic poetry mentor texts for older students. I hope to purchase the set of these Can Be... books.
August 4, 2020
Do you know all the forms water can take? A river, an ocean, a sea. Rain, fog, ice. There really are so many different forms of water!
This beautiful nonfiction picture book shows the reader how water is everywhere and how it benefits us, animals, plants, and more! Water keeps us hydrated. It helps keep us clean. It helps plants grow. It even helps create rainbows!
Water Can Be... features lovely, textured illustrations of water in many different forms and pairs them with minimal rhyming text.
This is a wonderful introduction to water for young children!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
This beautiful nonfiction picture book shows the reader how water is everywhere and how it benefits us, animals, plants, and more! Water keeps us hydrated. It helps keep us clean. It helps plants grow. It even helps create rainbows!
Water Can Be... features lovely, textured illustrations of water in many different forms and pairs them with minimal rhyming text.
This is a wonderful introduction to water for young children!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
May 13, 2019
I think this book would best serve K4 and K5 unless combined with a water unit in science. The illustrations are large and whimsical. The text is sparse but leaves a lot of room for conversation..."Who is water a picture catcher?". Read without stopping to talk about each picture, the book might take 2 - 3 minutes read aloud. The feature that I liked about the book is that at the back of the book there was an explanation of the various things that the text talked about -- e.g. how water is a decorator. It also includes a glossary. Might work out good in a Creation study unit. (Then it might work for graders 1 and 2.)
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