A Packet of Seeds

This story is about a pioneer family who starts a farm on the prairie. The pictures are beautiful, but the book would probably only be appropriate for younger elementary. The mother is sad about living a lonely life on the prairie, but cheered up by the gift of flower seeds from friends back home. This book might be useful to talk about loneliness, moving, and having a new baby in the family.

I read hundreds of books every year, and never once have I felt the need to write a review until now. I am amazed this book does not have more reviews. It is a gem. I just read it at the school library with my 8 year old daughter and could not hold back the tears-they were pouring down my face as I read it(embarassingly enough). This is a child's book, but it's also a book for women. It's the PERFECT gift to give a dear friend--especially if they are moving away. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

A Packet Full of Seeds is set in the 1880's. A family is moving out west to start a new life. The mother is very unsure about the move. Before they leave the mother's friends give her a special gift, some seeds from each of their gardens. She gets really depressed when she sees how bare the land is around her. The children want to plant her a garden to cheer her up. They get seeds from a neighor and start to work. They are sad thay they don't have any flowers. Then their mother gives them the packets given to her before her journey. The plant them together and things start to look up for the whole family. The book is a little long for a picture book. Young children may have a hard time sitting still to listen to it. We recommed this book to go with a history unit on the westward movement. Teachers can share this book with the class and they can discuss may aspects of life in the 1800's

My five-year old daughter and I picked this out at our library. It's a warm family story about a pioneer family and the bonds that tied women together. Afterward she wanted to go out and help me in the garden. I have several friends about to have babies and this will be just perfect. The paintings are lovely and evocative.