Review by Booklist Review
Using creative language and detailed mixed-media illustrations, this picture book introduces young readers to seeds. Two-page spreads offer a single idea aptly illustrated by busy, page-filling scenes that align perfectly with the text. Roughly the first half of the book is devoted to traditional seeds from plants and trees; it talks about their variety and how they can be transported from place to place (the spread accompanying the line ""Others wait to be carried to their destiny"" shows a cutout of a colony of ants busily hauling and storing seeds in underground tunnels). The second part introduces the concept that planting seeds can be compared to small human acts, such as giving someone a smile or, conversely, being mean or selfish. The text is straightforward and accessible: ""Pumpkin seeds bring pumpkins: kindness seeds bring kindness."" Never preachy, the overall tone is just right and complements Lemniscates' two previous offerings on birds and trees. This will make a great read-aloud, whether for introducing spring flowers or initiating conversations about friendship.--Kathleen McBroom Copyright 2020 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Seeds carry the power of life./ So they embark on amazing adventures." Mimicking its subject, this narrative goes through its own "breathtaking transformation," from a science-focused discussion of seeds--how they travel, grow, multiply, and find ways to thrive against the odds--into an intriguing philosophical exploration of seeds as a metaphor for human behavior. ("A smile is a powerful seed.// One that can bring joy and friendship.// But there are also seeds that bring anger and misunderstanding.") Crisp, colorful mixed-media illustrations keep pace with the text, showing moments such as a tiny seed germinating into a resplendent orchid and gardening children resolving their differences. Lemniscates's canny tale holds an appealing message: "Seeds can only bring what they carry./ Pumpkin seeds bring pumpkins; kindness seeds bring kindness.// You have lots of seeds, and you get to decide.../ which ones to help grow." Ages 2--5. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Lemniscates's compact picture book is an ode to the undeniable impact of seeds. The text showcases how seeds often travel across many lands before settling into the ground and growing into a plant. Despite their small size, they contain considerable possibilities in terms of quantity and size. Their durability is remarkable, and they can sprout in the most surprising places. They grow only what they are meant to grow ("pumpkin seeds bring pumpkins; kindness seeds bring kindness"). Humans plant all kinds of seeds: seeds of friendship and love or seeds of anger and misunderstanding. The potential in a seed is far greater than a person can see with the naked eye; it requires belief and action to bring it out. They "have whole worlds inside them, just like you." The book contains short, declarative sentences that stress the resilience of seeds and the beauty of their life cycle. The illustrations showcase the narrative theme in a powerful way and provide a sense of movement. VERDICT Lemniscates's story highlights the expansive possibilities contained within both literal and figurative seeds. A good purchase for all libraries.--Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Lemniscates considers seeds, both as tiny biological powerhouses and metaphors for human potential."Seeds carry the power of life. / So they embark on amazing adventures." Clear, stylized illustrations show seed dispersal, via wind and an ant colony. A double-page spread depicts the stages of a pumpkin seed from germination to blossoming. One vinefrom one seed"brings dozens of pumpkins. // And each pumpkin brings hundreds of seeds!" After examining an orchid's progress from a tiny seed and observing that seeds can sprout in harsh conditions, Lemniscates swerves awkwardly into analogy. "A smile is a powerful seed. / / But there are also seeds that bring anger and misunderstanding. / When those seeds grow, they pull us apart." Indeed, two children formerly seen to be cooperating now engage in a tug of war over a basket of fruit they've picked. Bright pictures resemble a combination of print and collage, with swaths of textured color and snipped and applied shapes. Diversity is indicated by variations in hairstyle and skin tone. A harmonious conclusion shows a diverse group of friends playing ring-around-the-rosie accompanied by a vague address to readers: "Seeds have whole worlds inside them, / just like you." While coaching from determined adults may enable young children to understand some of the metaphorical material, Lemniscates is on more solid ground with the clear botanical science that she introduces here.Solid science concepts about seeds muddied by a segue into preschool pop-psych. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
