Great Lakes

This picture book introduces the five largest lakes in North America: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. Together they form a band of water across the middle of the continent, sitting slightly off center. Eight U.S. states and part of Canada border them, and they hold 21% of the world's fresh water.

The book explains how the lakes came to exist, why their huge supply of freshwater matters, and why they are considered a national treasure. It also asks what people can do to protect them.

The story is told by following a single drop of water through the whole system. The drop travels from lake to river to lake, goes over Niagara Falls, moves through lake and river again, and finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

Barb Rosenstock is also the author of The Noisy Paint Box, a Caldecott Honor book.