Water Witcher

by Jan Ormerod

When a family's experience in Depression-era Australia is told through one boy's eyes, the optimism of childhood shines through despite harsh conditions   Dougie and his sisters can't remember the last time it rained. The rainwater tanks are empty, and the creek is just a string of muddy pools where birds and animals come, seeking water. One day, Dougie's dad tells him about his grandfather's gift for water divining, or witching. Dougie wishes he were a water witcher—then they would have a well of their own, always full of water. So Dougie teaches himself the art of water divining and, despite his sisters' teasing and his mother's skepticism, he discovers a night soak of fresh water. Jan Omerod's stunning, evocative illustrations make this a rich and resonating book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Australia, Historical Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Jan Ormerod grew up in the small towns of Western Australia, with three older sisters, and as a child she drew constantly and compulsively. She went to art school and studied drawing, painting and sculpture. After completing her degree, Jan become an Associate of the Western Australian Institute of Technology and Design in Education, taught in secondary schools on enrichment programmes, and lectured in teacher’s college and art schools. Jan's first picture book, "Sunshine", won the Mother Goose Award in 1982 and was highly commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Her recent titles include "Ben Goes Swimming", "Emily Dances", "Who’s Who on Our Street?", " A Twist in the Tail" and "Ponko and the South Pole".
http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/authors...

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hot and dry, so collecting water for the animals on the farm is a daily job for Dougie and his father. One day, Dougie's father tells him that his grandfather was a water witcher - someone who can find water anywhere, deep beneath the dry soil. Will Dougie have the gift for water witching too?

A beautifully written and illustrated tale tied to the Australian landscape and the eternal search for water. Kids will be fascinated by the techniques of water witching.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, atmospheric picture book set in 'olden days' outback Australia. Red /orange dominates nearly every page, depicting the outback and its dry, dusty conditions. A gentle story about family history and a farming community coping with drought. Gorgeous illustrations too.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story about a kid that suddenly discovered a "talent". This is my second book by Ormerod. The setting might be different but Ormerod still deliver that "mundane" magic that draws you to finish the book. The artwork is good but nothing flashy, just enough to like it but no awe factor.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Australian picture book. The pictures are in classic Jan Ormerod style and realistic of Australian countryside. The story is about a traditional way of divining for water.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this very Australian little book.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that you'll need to be careful of.

This book highlights the dry Australian continent very well - in fact many of the dry scenes look like the view out my window! Highlighting the difficulties many face in finding clean water, the need of potable water conservation and generally the importance of water in maintaining quality of life are important points that kids need to learn about.

On the other hand "water witching" is a con. Check out these sites for a scientific view on the validity of water witching: United States Geological Service (USGS), and the Skeptic's Dictionary. Really there is no need to pass this type of unscientific nonsense on to the next generation. For this reason I would have given this 1 star - but the lessons about water conservation bring it up to 2.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that captures time, place, and the timelessness of family. Dougie's family is beset by an Australian drought, and when he learns his grandfather was a water witcher (dowser), he has to give it a go. The illustrations' stark pen lines and unrelenting browns capture the land's dryness, broken only by sequences of dreams, imaginings, and house interiors. An enjoyable book, one that has special meaning for us as my wife is an Aussie (please pronounce it Ozzie, Yanks!) whose grandfather dowsed many wells in the Condoblin area of country New South Wales.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the dry, dusty inland of Australia during the drought and difficulties of the depression. Dougie wants to help out on the farm, and help find some water. His grandfather had been a water witcher (water diviner) and Dougie wants to give it a go. A very muted palatte suitable for inland Australia gives it an evocative feel.

[Felicityw · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a very cute book on a boy who is a water witcher i reccomend it to ages 7-35 read this book on a boy who is a water witcher

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps!