Water Witcher — 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.