Water—in all its splendid forms—is the subject and inspiration behind the alluring artwork and astounding poetry presented in River of Words: Images and Poetry in Praise of Water.

Rivers, lakes, oceans, rain, and tears come alive in pages of verse and full-color art. This collection is all the more remarkable because it was created by surprisingly young poets and artists. Culled from the annual River of Words art and poetry contest, here is an exceptional selection of creative work from young people (ages 5—19) across America and around the world. An epilogue by Pamela Michael, addressed to parents and teachers, discusses how to inspire great art and poetry from kids.

River of Words was co-founded in 1995 by Robert Hass and Pamela Michael to promote literacy, the arts, and environmental awareness. River of Words conducts an annual international poetry and art contest for students K-12.

Published in conjunction with River of Words

Reviews

"Young minds, in poems and paintings, freely playing creatively, conceptually, physically, with water. Kids showing us canebreaks, ducks, frogs, clouds, streams, and friends, all forms of water, through their fresh eyes. These selections of the best of the best give us pleasure and hope."—Gary Snyder

"Spend some pleasant time with the blithe and irrepressible spirits reflected in these poems and paintings created by young minds."—Wayne Thiebaud

"Pablo Picasso famously said that it took him eighty years to learn to paint like a child. The fresh vitality of these young poets and artists is an inspiration to all of us to let our imaginations run free."—Sandra Jordan

Awards

2004 Skipping Stones Honor Award