Ten Seeds

I've read thousands of children's books and this is in the top 10. I visit schools on a regular basis and, besides the books I've written, this is the only book I've ever read. True, I'm a sucker for books that entertain and teach, but it's rare when it works really well. The bonus: it introduces an important concept of how nature works.

I have to admit to being one of those mom's who likes books that not only entertain but also teach something. Who wouldn't want to find a book that has great art, a story, AND that teaches math (and in this case science) as well--wahoo! In this light, `Ten Seeds' provides alot. First the artwork is very nice, and the story, while short, is cute. As indicated by the other reviewers, a boy plants 10 seeds and one by one their numbers are reduced. This is a great way to introduce subtraction and to make it more `concrete'. (This also works with M & M's by the way.) But in addition to this the artwork introduces some science. First you can see how the seeds grow, first putting out a single root that splits, then roots multiply, and the tiny plant sends out the first leaves that seek the sun. These false leaves give way to real leaves and then a flower which blooms (sunflower), grows old, leaving the boy with more seeds to plant next year. And lest we forget, there are animals to talk about. The seeds/seedlings are reduced principally by living organisms such as an ant, a pigeon, a mouse, a slug, a mole, a cat, a puppy, greenflies. Some of these are not the usual animals we see in kids books. And in addition there are other creatures that can be seen beneath (and above) the ground such as earthworms, bees, ladybug, and other unidentifiable squirmies. Five Stars. The artwork is very nice and the pages are more substantial than in many books for this age range. The plot is a little simple, but there is lots of message: science, math: the seasons and how things grow.

This book is a piece of artwork you will enjoy as much as your child. I am blown away by the talent shown in these illustrations.

We LOVE this book! I've been looking all over for a good book that portrays the growth of a seed and this book achieves that beautifully. My kids (ages 4 and 2) want it read to them over and over again. It is also a great counting backwards (or subtraction) book.

Very cute and sturdy. A youbg boy plants ten seeds, which, one by one, are eaten are destroyed in some manner. All except for one seed that grows into a glorious sunflower, which produces exactly ten seeds. A definite summer hit for the young set.