The Water Walker: questions to ask and activities to try
Nokomis Josephine Mandamin walked all the way around the Great Lakes carrying a pail of water, to show how precious water is. A true story about caring for nature and making a difference.
What age is The Water Walker for?
The Water Walker is best for ages 4–8.
The Water Walker (Joanne Robertson)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Caring for water and nature, and how one person can make a difference
Only 50pThe Water Walker activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Talk about why water matters so much to Nokomis. Then talk about small things your family can do to look after water.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 4–8 (Reception to Year 3)
- What they'll enjoy
- Nokomis Josephine Mandamin walked all the way around the Great Lakes carrying a pail of water, to show how precious water is. A true story about caring for nature and making a difference.
- Helps with
- Caring for water and nature, and how one person can make a difference
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Caring for water and nature
- Making a difference
- Determination
- Indigenous knowledge and respect for the earth
Comprehension and discussion questions for The Water Walker
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did Nokomis love water so much?”
- “What was happening to the water?”
- “Why did she decide to walk?”
- “What did she carry with her?”
- “How did other people help?”
- “What can we do to look after water?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for The Water Walker
All 6 questions for The Water Walker on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Water saver
Find three ways your family can save water this week, like turning off the tap while brushing teeth.
Water walk
Carry a small cup of water carefully around the garden without spilling. How did it feel to keep it safe?
The Water Walker activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Nature & the World bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:Because of an AcornBeware of the CrocodileChristopher NibbleDot.Errol's GardenHot HippoHungry HenKatie's Picture ShowOnce Upon a JungleOnce Upon a StarOur Very Own DogRainSurprising SharksThe Bog BabyThe Boy Who Lost His Bumble£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25The Water Walker + Because of an Acorn + Beware of the CrocodileThe 3 books:The Water WalkerBecause of an AcornBeware of the Crocodile£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to The Water Walker, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about caring for water and nature.
A 20-minute session for ages 4–8 (Reception to Year 3), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Talk about why water matters so much to Nokomis. Then talk about small things your family can do to look after water.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “Why did Nokomis love water so much?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Water saver. Find three ways your family can save water this week, like turning off the tap while brushing teeth. Children who finish early can try Water walk.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The The Water Walker activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
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- Best for
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- Age
- 4-8
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- Best for
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- Age
- 4-8
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- Best for
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- Age
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.