River Life: A Journey from Headwaters to the Sea

Congratulations! River Life has won the 2014 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal in the Environmental Issues category!

Published in partnership with the Rivers Institute at Hanover College

From a small stream in a Pennsylvania woodland, this book follows the seasons of river life along three connected rivers: the Allegheny during spring, the Ohio during summer and the Lower Mississippi during fall.

What animals and plants will you find along the river's edge? How do the changing seasons affect the insects, flowers and birds you might see? Why do some of the fish and other animals found in the water live among rocks and gravel while others are found in sandy or silty areas?

River Life: A Journey from Headwaters to the Sea is a great book for river exploration, even if you never leave home.

In addition, the table of contents, glossary, list of scientific names, river facts of the world and index make this book an excellent educational resource for classrooms and home schooling.

About the Author

Marianne D. Wallace is a writer and illustrator whose work has appeared in over 30 nature-related publications, including eight books for children. She lives with her family and pets in the mountain foothills, sharing the backyard with native plants and the deer, squirrels, bears and other wildlife that roam through the area.

Testimonials

"River Life: A Journey from Headwaters to the Sea is a great addition to children's literature about rivers and river life. Marianne Wallace has written and illustrated a natural history journey down the Allegheny, the Ohio, and the lower Mississippi Rivers, from springtime to fall. Along the way, young readers will learn about wildflowers, trees, fish, insects, birds, and other plants and animals, many beautifully illustrated. Along with the natural history that unfolds in the pages of River Life, the book also mentions some social studies topics such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and a short history of the types of boats that early human inhabitants used to travel on the river. River Life is a valuable resource for teachers, libraries, and parents, and will be treasured by all children." — Dr. Larry E. DeBuhr, Executive Director, Rivers Institute at Hanover College

"An interesting and educational read for children and, really, for people of all ages. I certainly enjoyed reading it and learned a lot, too. This book is an excellent way to teach about rivers, while showcasing the rich biodiversity in our own backyards ... and watersheds. The text and illustrations complement one another nicely and provide a seamless flow of information that parallels the flow of water from the Allegheny down to the Mississippi. I absolutely love the focus on the Ohio River, one of our nation's most underappreciated natural resources. The pictures are beautifully illustrated with details and descriptions that rival field guides. The book should appeal to young readers while stretching their minds as well as their imaginations." — Dr. Christopher Lorentz, Professor of Biology, Director of the Center for Ohio River Research Education, Thomas More College