The Stream

At the start of this small-format book, a stream begins high in the mountains. Rain and melting snow help it to grow, and the swollen stream flows into a river, which in turn feeds a pond and a reservoir. Traveling through cities, woods and fields, the river eventually reaches the sea. The seawater forms tiny droplets, which rise into the air to form clouds. Finally, these release rain to fill the thirsty mountain stream that began the process in the first place. With her streamlined yet explicit text and detail-rich pictures, Russell acquaints children with one of nature's most vital--and engrossing--cycles. Particularly appealing are the three foldout pages that depict, respectively, a cascading waterfall, a diver exploring the riverbed and the many denizens of the sea. The youngest readers will have a good time hunting for the toy sailboat that bobs along throughout the book. Ages 3-6. ( May )