If You Plant a Seed

In a skillfully crafted story about the literal and allegorical fruits of the seeds we plant, Nelson (Baby Bear) introduces a group of animals whose farmyard garden becomes a source of food, strife, and reconciliation. Nelson's emphatic sentences stretch across multiple pages, underscoring the patience necessary to see seeds mature into plants: "If you plant a tomato seed,/ a carrot seed,/ and a cabbage seed,/ in time/ with love and care,/ tomato,/ carrot,/ and cabbage/ plants will grow." A small brown rabbit and an even smaller brown mouse, painted in warm realistic detail, are the devoted farmers here, and a wordless scene shows them taking their delighted first bites of produce that gleams in the midday sun. Joy shifts to alarm when five birds descend, their silent intentions very clear. A food fight, the result of a "seed of selfishness," leaves the garden in ruins, but a final sequence about the rewards of planting a "seed of kindness" culminates in an abundance of sunflowers, chard, melons, and more. Nelson adeptly balances whimsical, naturalistic, and instructional ideas to create a story that satisfies on multiple levels. Ages 4-8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2--A fuzzy, brown rabbit and a tiny notch-eared mouse plant tomato, carrot, and cabbage seeds and then wait for the plants to grow and produce. As they bide their time, the two sit in the rain, nap, and read books. Readers will notice the sky beginning to fill with birds, which the rabbit and mouse don't see until the fruits--or vegetables--of their labor are ready to eat. Then five winged creatures descend and look expectantly, in a priceless illustration, at the two farmers that try to protect their bounty from the intruders. A verbal argument and scuffle ensue until they all reach an understanding. After the seed of cooperation is planted among the seven characters, peace reigns and friendship grows. Nelson's charmingly realistic illustrations skillfully show the passage of time and humorously accurate emotions and body language. The textures shown in the fur and feathers and the small details in the large oil on canvas paintings create images for study (and framing). The message, so clearly read in the illustrations, is a universal truth--you reap what you sow and when shared with others, your joy will be magnified. VERDICT A timeless and delectable picture book choice.--Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI