The life cycle of a tree is beautifully described in this outstanding book. A narrative poem alongside exquisite illustrations describes all the different stages, from the moment a sycamore seed falls onto the earth, to its growth from seedling to sapling to mature tree distributing its own seeds. It shows too the changing seasons, and through words and pictures children will discover how the tree supports insects, birds and animals, who all make a life ‘in their leaf-laden, bark-bound arboreal home’. It’s full of information yet retains a sense of wonder: ‘how can something so small turn into a tree which is such an incredibly BIG thing to be’. This is a book for readers of all ages, one to keep and return to again and again.
With lyrical text, enchanting illustrations, and a beautiful fold-out scene to complete the story, this award-winning picture book takes you on a journey through the seasons and years as you follow a seed's transformation from a seedling to a sapling, then a young tree, until it becomes a large tree with its branches and roots filling the page. As the tree grows, it is joined by well-loved woodland creaturessquirrels and rabbits, butterflies and owlswho make it their home. A rhyming poem builds page on page, echoing the rings of a growing tree. The story culminates with a foldout page showing a mature tree shedding seeds to continue the beautiful cycle of life. At the back, find the full poem and facts about the specific tree, a sycamore. Beautiful and evocative, It Starts With a Seed is a factual story that will touch children with its simple, enchanting message of life and growth.A 2018 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K-12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Childrens Book Council)
‘‘Lyrical non-fiction showcasing the life cycle of a tree in gentle rhyme and finely etched artwork.’’ Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
Author
About Laura Knowles
Coming from a background in children’s publishing, Laura Knowles’s long-standing love of natural history, words and art has led her to work on books about animals and nature. Her first book, It Starts with a Seed, came about after she attended an art class drawing live animals, taught by the illustrator Jennie Webber. When she isn’t writing and editing, Laura spends her time creating her own artwork and exploring museums in search of inspiration. She lives in London with her two elderly goldfish. Follow Laura Knowles on Instagram here.
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