WHAT IS A RIVER?

Sitting by the banks of a river, a child asks their grandmother the titular question. What follows is an exploration of the seemingly simple question.

The deceptively straightforward title of this book can lead readers to believe it will be a bland recitation of facts, mainly involving geographical locations, volumes of water, and lengths. It is, in fact, a broad and holistic approach that seamlessly weaves together geographical, sociological, historical, scientific, religious, industrial, and environmental information, concepts, and observations. All of this is delivered in lyrical language that is poetic at times. The book is reminiscent of an artist’s diary, with type that has a handwritten feel and artwork that is fully fleshed out interspersed with simple pencil sketches. The beautiful, softly colored illustrations offer plenty of details and asides that invite readers to further explore the pages. Strategically placed questions offer even more opportunities for readers to get immersed in the book—and to come away with a better understanding of the complexity and importance of a river in our shared world. Readers may never look at a river the same way again. Both grandmother and grandchild present White. Originally published in Swedish as Vad är en flod? The book has won multiple international awards, including being chosen for the Illustrator’s Exhibition of Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2018.

A beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking book.