Large format book illustrated with many large photographs. The photographs often include people, children very frequently and adults as well. Many of the photographs are quite appealing. The text is correct and vigorously written. ( )

I think someone mentioned this on a webinar. Anyways, although it's a few years old, it was definitely worth reading. I do a lot of seed-based storytimes and projects and this is a great fit for that as well.

The first couple pages talk about seeds and growing in general terms - how we get our food from things that grow, corn is the most often planted, etc. Then the actual explanation of how seeds grow begins. Corn is the example, and the book talks about how the sun and rain sprouts the seeds, what they need in terms of dirt, earthworms, and photosynthesis. The book ends with a quick discussion of different types of seeds, fruits, roots, and stems that we eat.

The photographs are a big draw. They are contemporary, showing lots of kids in various farm and garden settings, but not so time-specific that they won't still be fresh in a few years.

Verdict: While this is a little text-heavy and has some more difficult vocabulary for a straight read-through in a preschool storytime, it would work very well with my patented dip 'n' read approach for nonfiction and even better for an older group. Pair this with some gardening books and maybe a flannelboard identifying fruits and vegetables.

ISBN: 9781590787137; Published 2010 by Boyds Mills Press; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Good information on growing cycle. Great photographs. ( )