HERE ARE THE SEEDS
by JaNay Brown-Wood ; illustrated by Olivia Amoah
Two children nurture a thriving ecosystem.
In this cumulative tale, two Black-presenting kids follow the journey of the seeds they’ve planted. They discover that they need sun, water, and the support of helpers such as mushrooms and worms for their seedlings to grow and eventually “GLOW!” The repeated phrasing (“Here are the seeds / that we will sow,” “Here is the earth / that nurtures the seeds / that we have sown”) allows little readers to easily follow along and remember the steps to foster seed growth. A few pages halt the rhythmic pace as the narrator declares, “OH NO!” At these pauses, readers can use the illustrations to determine what is impeding the seeds from growing (parched earth, flooding) and perhaps even predict what the garden needs (more water, mushrooms to help soak up excess water). The children have expressive faces that exhibit a range of emotions: curiosity, concern, surprise, confusion, and joy. Backmatter explains the different elements—soil, plants, bugs, sun—that help a garden survive and thrive. The repetitive text and cumulative storytelling, along with the bright, inviting illustrations, make for a preschooler-friendly spring tale.
An enticing seasonal read-aloud.
(Picture book. 3-5)