Seeds of change

PreS-Gr 2--While the text is a rhyming couplet about the power of seeds, a story of children creating a garden emerges from the pictures. Easy enough for early readers to decipher, this book is the epitome of the adage "show, don't tell." A mix of soft watercolor and bright acrylics are contrasted with the brown soil and trees. When the garden takes hold, though, the lush greens and beautiful produce become the stars. Children are shown working together to solve a problem while overcoming setbacks. While readers never learn anyone's name or the location of the garden, the overarching themes of togetherness and community shine through. VERDICT A beautiful book about the power of community; even its smallest members, the children, have a big impact.--Jessica Durham

A lyrical guide to community building through agriculture. Succinct rhyming couplets tell the story of a Black child taking action in a village in Madagascar. The little one sows seeds that ultimately yield an inspirational garden and so much more. The unseen narrator notes that seeds of strength, compassion, gratitude, and hope are all crucial parts of caring for our community: "Sow seeds of strength, / ride out the storm. Sow seeds of compassion, / make hearts warm." As the little one enlists the support of the other young children in the village, their shared determination and cooperation through even the stormiest weather are profoundly motivational as the narrator suggests that readers "Rise above the gloom / and find the courage to bloom." The concepts of gardening and seeds are undoubtedly accessible early metaphors, and the pairing of verse and art smartly turns growing food into lessons on equality, justice, and nonviolence. Digital illustrations feature rich earth tones and the lush coloring of diverse fruit and vegetables. In an author's note, Laden discusses how her experiences gardening informed her narrative, while Cloud's illustrator's note explains how she took inspiration from time spent in Madagascar's Ankarafantsika National Park. Fruitful and nourishing in good measure. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.