A Seed Is Sleepy
(Aston/Long Nature Books)

Gr 1-4 Another contemplative look at the natural world from the pair who created "An Egg Is Quiet" (Chronicle, 2006). This introduction to seeds and plants uses simple sentences that will stretch childrens minds and imaginations. Each spread is devoted to the seeds many attributes, including adventurous, inventive, generous, ancient, and clever. The text then builds on these descriptors with interesting facts: It knows to seek the sunlight.... The author does not shy away from words that children may be unfamiliar with; rather, she constructs sentences that define these words in terms that children can understand: Not all seeds are eager to germinate. Some have lain dormant, or slept undisturbed, for more than a thousand years. Longs ink-and-watercolor sketches, full of rich color and intricate detail, merit high praise. Readers not yet familiar with cursive writing may experience some difficulty deciphering portions of the text independently, but this book is a wonderful addition to units that focus not only on seeds and plants, but also on writing and the language arts."Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA" Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.