Dancing with Water

Gwendolyn Wallace is an award-winning children’s literature author and PhD student at MIT in History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology and Society (HASTS). Her picture books include Joy Takes Root, The Light She Feels Inside, and the forthcoming Imagine New Suns. Her work for children focuses on Black environmentalisms, cultivating radical imagination, and the past, present, and future of social change.Tonya Engel is an award-winning artist, mom, and illustrator. Engel’s personal, autobiographical work can be found in public and private collections around the world. She has been the recipient of several awards and honors for her book illustrations, including the 2020 Septima Clark Book Award and the 2022 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor.

PRAISE FOR DANCING WITH WATER by Gwendolyn Wallace; Illustrated by Tonya Engel:An American Library Association (ALA) 2026 Rainbow Book ListA New York Public Library Best Book of 2025The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection★ “Powerful…could find curricular connections in science or civics discussions. The book can be paired with Carole Lindstrom’s We Are Water Protectors. An encompassing story of intergenerational relationships concludes with an author’s note about the disproportionate impact of water access for communities of color. …Recommended first purchase for all library collections.” — School Library Journal, starred review"A powerful nugget of culture and history fits snugly into Wallace’s graceful story. Imbued with a beauty and strength that will leave a lasting impression." —Kirkus Reviews“This sweet tale of intergenerational connection acknowledges the overwhelming tragedy of current climate crises and the hopelessness they can evoke, but it roots the solution in community and connection, emphasizing how grandchild and grandfather inspire each other. Fluid acrylics move across the pages in thickly layered swirls and swoops, mimicking both the smooth calm of water and the more oppressive nature of smoke and smog for a visual contrast that dramatically conveys the urgency of the moment.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“Wallace (Joy Takes Root) and Engel (Yaya and the Sea) effervescently detail the traditional practice of water dowsing in this conscientious picture book. … Fluid imagery recurs throughout stylized acrylic underpainting and oil glazed scenes that demonstrate the importance of water to all life, and Kit’s grandfather’s ability to engage with the natural world.” —Publishers Weekly“Realism and whimsy collide in Engel's illustrations, created with acrylic underpainting finished with oil glazes … An environmental tale rooted in Black history that young readers will enjoy.” —Booklist