Tag Archives: Seeds

Elem./MG – Big Tree

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Selznick, Brian. Big Tree. Scholastic Press, 2023. 978-1-338-18063-3. 525 p. $32.99. Grades 3-6

Louise has been hearing a voice but she has no idea where it’s coming from. She has been trying to tell her brother Merwin but he doesn’t really believe her. They are both seeds from a sycamore tree and one day a fire forces their mother sycamore tree to send them into the world. The two seedlings must use all their wits and wisdom to figure out the best place to grow up, avoiding all the dangers they encounter on the way. Big Tree is illustrated throughout the book to further show the world these little seedlings find themselves in. The afterword of the book goes into further detail about the different things found within the book, and the author’s note talks more about where the idea for the book came from.

THOUGHTS: Brian Selznick’s illustrations are so beautiful and make the reader pause and take them in along with the story as they read. The size of this book might intimidate some readers, and the concept might not grab them; however, if they pick up the book they will get caught up in the story. This is a must purchase for any upper elementary collection, even if it might take a book talk to get it moving off the shelf.

Fantasy
Adventure

Elem. – Are You a Cheeseburger?

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Arnaldo, Monica. Are You a Cheeseburger? Katherine Tegen Books, 2021. 978-0-063-00394-1. 32 p. $17.99. Grades K-3. 

When Grub the raccoon meets Seed the seed in a trashcan one night, an unexpected friendship is born. Grub is scavenging for food, like usual, when he discovers Seed among the trashbags. Seed isn’t sure what kind of plant she will grow into. Grub is hoping it’s one that produces cheeseburgers. He plants Seed right away, and the wait begins. The two spend lots of time together, waiting to see what Seed will become. They sing songs and share stories until one day, Seed blooms. Seed breaks the disappointing news that it appears she’s just a flower, not a cheeseburger plant. Upon reflection, Grub concludes that although cheeseburgers would have been nice, flowers, and friends, might be just as special too.

THOUGHTS: Several discussion-worthy themes surface in this story, including getting over disappointment, accepting different outcomes than anticipated, discovering one’s own potential, and valuing relationships with others over individual desires. Ideas and opinions about growth and self-discovery will also make insightful talking points for students.

Picture Book          Anne Bozievich, Southern York County SD