Description

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Water Love, a beautifully illustrated spoken word picture book, tells the story of Kaya, a young Black girl as she navigates her lifelong love of water amid the disapproval of her friends and despite her mother's deep-seated fear of the water. Combatting stereotypes, Kaya joins an all-Black surfing program; in this program, as she begins to understand the larger struggles of the Black experience, she learns to love her "real" self and finds joy in expressing herself through her passion for surfing. Water Love was inspired by the North Preston Surf Program in Nova Scotia, an organization that works to encourage a stronger representation of Black people in water sports.

About the Author

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Natalie Hodgson is an Indigenous Black Nova Scotian mother, partner, author, counsellor, educator, and Impact of Race and Culture Assessor. She has a passion for literacy and its value in children's growth and well-being. Hodgson believes that children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Rajean Willis is a proud Indigenous Black Nova Scotian woman from the communities of Truro and East Preston, Nova Scotia. She is a devoted partner, mother, social work clinician, author, scholar, and educator. Willis cares deeply about developing and promoting culturally specific opportunities for Black children and youth and values the need for cultural representation. She currently lives in North Preston, Nova Scotia. Sahle Robinson is a children's book illustrator and series director, senior storyboard artist, and character concept designer for television animation. Based in Toronto, Robinson, his wife, and his children also contribute to various community art-related projects.