River Story

Meredith Hooper is an historian by training and the author of many books, ranging in subject from Antarctica to aviation, from the history of water to the history of inventions. She says the river in this book is based in part on one that flowed past her garden, but that it mostly reflects "the strong-flowing big rivers of America, the fast, turbulent rivers of the Swiss Alps, the wide city rivers of Europe, and the meeting of river and sea that happens all over the world." She adds, "I like to travel!"

Bee Wiley has illustrated many books for children. She says the process depicted in River Story (water appearing at the source, trickling, gaining speed, and collecting things before finally reaching the sea) parallels the flow of teamwork that went into making the book. "It is one of those books that has really forged its own life, which I hope will translate to readers."