It Starts With A Seed

Reviews / Votes

'Through charming, gentle rhyme and lovely illustration, this story of how a tiny sycamore seed becomes a magnificent tree will surely start weaving its magic in young minds...genuinely delightful...a treasure for budding naturalists, and one that grown-ups won't tire of endlessly re-reading.' * BBC Countryfile Magazine * A book that explores the cycle of nature and the diversity of wildlife found in, around and under a tree. Each double page spread contains words on one side and an illustration of the tree on the other; it is printed on off-white paper with lots of space that allows the concept of growth to come across as the reader progresses through the book. The story of the tree is told in a rhyme and the book concludes in a pull-out page showing the huge old tree in all its glory with branches reaching wide and roots spread out underground.

?

? -- Barbara Band * Armadillo * 'Beautiful and evocative, It Starts with a Seed is a factual story that will touch children with its simple but enchanting message of life and growth' * Green Parent * This is a book that feels like a special experience, whether reading out to a young person or reading it on one's own. -- Soumi Dey * IBBY Link * It Starts With a Seed is simple information book which outlines the life cycle of a sycamore tree. It begins with a clear illustration of the distinctive helicopter seeds. These are a pair of wings which spin like helicopter blades as they float down from the tree. The Jennie Webber illustrations follow the seed through the book as it germinates in the soil, develops into a seedling then finally, over many years, grows into a mature tree which is the habitat for variety of creatures. The cycle continues through to autumn and the seeds are once again ready to be taken by the wind and spin away to make new trees. The text is poetic and takes the young reader thoughtfully through the tree's life cycle. The book is an ideal starting point for exploring trees with a Key stage 1 class. Picture book / Ages 4+ / -- Fiona Collins * Reading Zone *