It Starts with a Seed
on Goodreads (396)
What’s inside...
With lyrical text, enchanting illustrations, and a beautiful fold-out scene, 'It Starts With a Seed' is an award-winning picture book that guides readers through the journey of a seed's transformation across seasons and years. From a seedling to a sapling, then a young tree, and finally a large tree, the story integrates woodland creatures like squirrels, rabbits, butterflies, and owls, who make the tree their home. A rhyming poem accompanies the growth of the tree, culminating in a fold-out page showcasing a mature tree shedding seeds, continuing the cycle of life. The book concludes with the full poem and factual information about the sycamore tree, providing a touching and educational experience about life and growth. It has been recognized as a 2018 Outstanding Science Trade Book for K-12 by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What journey does the seed go through in the book? Can you think of any changes that happen to it?
Why do you think the seed needs the sun, soil, and water to grow?
How do the plants and trees help the animals and environment around them?
What did you learn about the life cycle of a plant from this book?
Can you imagine what might happen next if the story continued?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how a tiny seed can grow into a large tree, just like they are growing every day. Use the book's beautiful illustrations to discuss the different stages of a plant’s life and the seasons. Relate the story to the child’s experiences, such as planting a flower or visiting a garden. Ask the child to guess what might happen next at various points to keep them engaged and thinking creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience and perseverance
Explanation: The story demonstrates how a tiny seed slowly transforms into a magnificent tree, illustrating the gradual process of growth that requires patience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the value of waiting and putting consistent effort into their tasks, whether it's a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding the life cycle of plants
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging narrative, the book explains how a seed germinates, grows, and eventually reproduces.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to observe and participate in planting activities at home or school, helping them connect with nature and understand environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of ecosystems
Explanation: As the seed grows into a tree, it becomes a home and food source for various animals, showing how all elements of an ecosystem are interconnected.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and protect wildlife and natural habitats, understanding their role within the larger ecological community.
Example Lesson: Seasons and change
Explanation: The book portrays the tree’s changes through the seasons, teaching about the cyclical patterns in nature.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children grasp the concept of change and time, applying it to seasonal changes they observe in their own environment.
Example Lesson: The wonder of nature's growth
Explanation: The transformation from a small seed to a sprawling tree showcases the wonders and capabilities of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn more about the environment.