The vital ecosystems of ponds, puddles, swamps, and more in come alive in this gorgeously illustrated exploration of wetlands.

Human beings love babbling brooks and rushing rivers—but when we see water that stands still, we’ve historically called it unsafe, unhealthy, and even useless. Yet still water ecosystems like wetlands are teeming with life—and they’re critical to our planet’s survival. How? And why?

Still Water is a lushly illustrated journey through still water ecosystems, inviting readers to learn about their makeup, their inhabitants, their importance, and their future, including:

Why are still water ecosystems misunderstood?

How do they actually contribute to the health of our world?

What are the important differences between wetland environments?

Who lives in wetlands, and how do animals like frogs and birds adapt to them for survival?

How do places like peat bogs fight climate change?

How do invasive species affect the balance of an ecosystem?

What do we need to know about the future of ponds and wetlands?

Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Still Water includes helpful backmatter with a glossary of terms and a link to the creators’ bibliography. This browsable nonfiction book is ideal for field trips to natural history museums and local ponds, as well as celebrations of Earth Day, World Wetlands Day, and World Wildlife Day. Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.