I KNOW THE RIVER LOVES ME/YO SÉ QUE EL RÍO ME AMA

In sweeping lyrical prose—in both English and Spanish—a little girl describes her special relationship with the river she loves, which loves her in return. The river keeps the little girl’s smiling reflection, sings her name in the rushing waters and cools her down when she jumps in to swim. The little girl is careful to only leave behind what truly belongs in the river’s waters; as she states, “The river takes care of me and I take care of the river.” Double-page spreads of aqua-blue ribbons of waves populated with green fish and frogs against a crisp white background envelop a black-and-white–outlined Latina girl with flowing, long dark hair. The author’s love and respect for the natural beauty and rhythm of the river and how it sustains her through quiet and vibrant moods is vividly portrayed in both her words and paintings. “I watch her change like me. / In the winter, she is low and quiet. / In the summer, she is full and loud.” Inspiring and peacefully thought-provoking. (Picture book. 5-8)