I Know the River Loves Me / Yo sé que el río me ama
Written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Paperback: $10.95
Listen. . . Can you hear the river calling you? Rushing and bubbling, splashing or still, the river has so much to teach us.
Whenever Maya visits the river, the river jumps up to greet her. It cools her down when the summer sun is too hot, and holds her up when she dives in. It keeps her company in the quiet of winter. The river takes care of Maya and Maya takes care of the river.
In this gentle story of love and respect for nature, Maya Christina Gonzalez combines her award-winning talents as an artist and storyteller. Young readers will be inspired by the joy and wonder of being outdoors, and learn powerful lessons about their environment and themselves.
Create a lesson plan using I Know the River Loves Me in first and second grade
Using Dual Language/Bilingual Books and Parent-Volunteers to Foster Deep Thinking using I Know the River Loves Me.
For further connections and exploration of themes, pair these field trip and activity ideas with I Know the River Loves Me.
Check out I Know the River Loves Me in the Building Classroom Community in Second Grade unit and collection.
Reviews & Comments
MamiverseKirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Mother Nature Network
REFORMA Newsletter
Horn Book
Sierra Magazine
Mommy Maestra
About the Creators

is a widely exhibited artist renowned for her vivid imagery of strong women and girls. She has illustrated nearly twenty children’s books, and her artwork has appeared on the cover of Contemporary Chicano/a Art. My Colors, My World was the first book Maya both wrote and illustrated. Books that Maya illustrated include Laughing Tomatoes, From the Bellybutton of the Moon, and Angels Ride Bikes. She lives and plays in San Francisco, California.