Water Walkers is the story of an Ojibway girl named Mai. Her family members are walking around Lake Superior to raise awareness about the harm that is being done to the Great Lakes. At first, Mai is told she is too little to go, but her grandmother says, "Even little people can do big things." As Mai walks along the lakeside path, she tries to find ways to help. Will the secret messages from the animals she sees on her journey show her how to help the water and Mother Earth? Will Mai prove that she is a clever coyote girl and can become a good water walker? Water Walkers is a tribute to the many Native women and men who in today's world have courageously walked countless miles to draw attention to the condition of water. The message of this diverse, environmental book is to protect the water. Included are: common core state standards, websites, cross-curriculum activities, a glossary of environmental terms, and ten ways for children to protect the Earth. With new original illustrations by Native American artist, David W. Craig. It is a must for every school and family library. This great story offers so many unique gifts to all readers -children, parents, grandparents, educators and others. It is a fiction story with so many factual insights we rarely see in children's literature. For example, it tells a 21st century story about an Ojibway Grandmother who set an example for her young granddaughter and others in the family about how members of native tribes from America and Canada can help save our environment. I loved reading the story as told by a young girl named Mai. She shares how her grandmother led her family on a walk around Lake Superior. Mai's grandmother also planned to walk around other Great Lakes with a goal of raising awareness about damage that is being done to our environment. Others in her family thought Mai was too young to walk with them around the Great Lakes. I loved her grandmother's response when family members objected. Grandmother said, "Even our little ones can make ripples and waves." So, true! Thank you, Carol Trembath, for offering valuable background information about the Water Walkers in the dedication and introduction and for the many valuable resources at the end of the book (glossary, Common core state standards, children's activities, and more). The outstanding illustrations by David Craig truly reflect the love and trust between Mai and her Ojibway Grandmother. Linda C. Born and raised in the state of Michigan, which is surrounded by the Great Lakes, Carol has made water a lifelong focus and passion. Her other interest is teaching. Carol has been an educator, librarian, and media specialist for over 27 years. She earned a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a second Masters in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. However, her initial degree was in English from Western Michigan University and her "first love" is literature. Her hope is that young readers of Water Walkers, will become more aware of the Native wisdom teachings and also become involved with protecting the environment that Native People love so dearly. "Water, she said, "is our friend; and if you love something, you take care of it." Carol has plans for more children's books that will continue Little Mai's journey to all of the Great Lakes. Her next book, titled Stepping Stones, will retrace the steps of the ancient Anishinaabe people as they journeyed westward from the Eastern Woodlands. Born and raised in the state of Washington, David W. Craig grew up surrounded by land as alive as it is beautiful. David began private art lessons at the age of nine. After high school graduation, he pursued his life-long passion and earned a degree in art from Seattle Art Institute. David has done freelance work for national parks and for various commercial organizations, but currently he focuses full time on his own style of painting. Weaving together story, emotion and moments in time with color and a vibrant sensitivity, each of David's pieces speaks to its viewers in a unique and powerful way. Watercolor mixed media, sculpturing, and leather work are some of his mediums. Family ties are strong in the foothills of Mount "Rainer where David Craig paints and raises his two young daughters on a rural farm. Enrolled Chippewa (Ojibway), David and his daughters travel throughout the western United States attending tribal gatherings powwows and art shows.