We found a seed

Two kids discover the joy of nature's renewal. The children are delighted to find a seed while playing. They gently place it in a box for safekeeping, but nothing happens. They try to usher things along by singing and dancing for it; still, nothing. Intuitively, they decide to take cues from the seed to see what it wants. They listen, wait, and finally hear the seed tell them, "Plant me." They do so carefully. As the seasons pass, the kids wonder if the seed is as aware as they are of autumn's winds, winter's icy rains, and spring's warmth--until, finally, the seed sprouts, grows, and ultimately yields a magnificent sunflower. With autumn's return, though, the flower dies, and the children feel sad. But they're thrilled with the gift it's left them: more seeds! This time, they know exactly what to do. This U.K. import is just right for easy listening; with its simple, unhurried text, it's also a good fit for emergent readers. The story touches on themes of nature's rebirth and caring for the Earth in a tender, child-friendly manner. The protagonists--one of whom is light-skinned and red-headed, the other brown-skinned and dark-haired--are depicted not only as close friends but also as gentle stewards of the natural world: wonderful images to present to readers. The colorful, unpretentious illustrations are charming. A satisfying read that's just right for spring. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.