Dancing with Water
Dancing with Water by Gwendolyn Wallace is a picture book published by Penguin Group on August 12, 2025. This 40-page story presents an intergenerational narrative centered around a nonbinary child named Kit, who learns the tradition of well digging from their Grandpa. The book explores themes of community, hope, and the importance of protecting the Earth’s water resources.
Readers will find a heartfelt depiction of Kit’s journey alongside Grandpa as they dig wells for their community. The story highlights the challenges posed by environmental changes, such as the impact of new developments on clean water availability. Through their experiences, Kit discovers the connection between their identity and the natural world, ultimately recognizing the shared strength of their people and the Earth. This edition is presented in English and aims to engage young readers with its themes of family life and environmental stewardship.
Official synopsis Publisher
An intergenerational story about a nonbinary child who learns the tradition of well digging in this picture book about community, hope, and protecting the Earth’s water.
As soon as Kit’s old enough to ride in Grandpa’s truck, they begin joining him to dig wells for their community. Grandpa is magic. He can feel the weather in his bones, and he’s able to dance with water. With just a tree branch in his hand, Grandpa sways and spins over the land until he finds a spot to dig a hole into the waiting earth. When the water springs up, Grandpa and Kit jump for joy.
As new hotels and factories pop up across town, clean water becomes harder to find. Sometimes, no water flows at all. Kit is sad for Grandpa—and for Earth. But one day, Grandpa senses that Kit is ready to dance with water too. Grandpa reminds Kit that the energy and strength of their people flows through the water. As they wait and watch for fresh, clear water to flow up from the ground again, Kit recognizes the power shared between themself and Earth.
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