Review by Booklist Review
A small black seed sits alone against a white background. It does not know what to do or where to go. The next page fills with colors as the seed is noticed by the earth, water, and sky. The ground shelters, the water nourishes, and the sunshine helps it grow into an apple tree. In turn, the tree shows concern for a bird that builds a nest, hatching a chick. The tree shelters them, and the mother cares for her baby. When the tree bears fruit, apples fall, and new seeds are released. Most are scattered by the wind, but one seed needs help, which the bird provides. The bird sings to encourage the seed, its music represented in the bright acrylic-and-collage illustrations by abstract, colorful circles. Layers of texture serve as reminders of the natural setting and the combination of elements needed to grow. The cyclical structure of the story is suggestive of The Giving Tree, but in this narrative, it is possible to give without giving oneself away. First published in Italy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--When care is taken, even the littlest of things can grow and flourish. The delicate balance of ecosystems is central to this tale, which begins with a seed desperate for soil, water, and light. Its needs are met by the anthropomorphized Sky, Water, and Earth which provide the conditions needed for it to germinate into a tree upon which a bird can build a nest. In turn, the bird hatches a chick because of the shelter of the tree, and the tree produces apples which beget seeds. And to complete the cycle of nature, one small seed is unable to find a home in the earth without the care of a bird who picks the wayward seed off the rock and places it on the soil where it can grow. The miraculous harmony of nature is celebrated through poetic text and colorful illustrations in this work. Bertelle's use of color, line, and texture have a patchwork-quilt effect, bolstering the warmth of Giraldo's narrative. VERDICT How nature nurtures will capture the attention of little ones and inspire them to nurture in turn. A recommended purchase for most collections.--Sarah Simpson
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Review by Horn Book Review
"Once there was a tiny seed. So small in the great big world, it felt lost and lonely." The earth, rain, and sky all help the seed thrive, offering a place to land, plus water and sun so it can grow into a strong apple tree. "The Earth said to the seed, 'Don't be afraid. I'll take care of you.' And welcomed it into its sweet, soft soil." Once grown, the tree extends the care given to it by inviting a bird to raise her chick in its branches. The bird, in turn, carries an apple seed to fertile soil to start the cycle again. "Carefully, she picked up the tiny seed in her beak and gave it to the Earth." With relatively few words, Giraldo gives readers a simple science lesson, a message about interdependence, and a comforting story about generosity (perfect for elementary classroom social-emotional learning). Bertelle employs rich, bold colors for her lush illustrations. The thick layers of acrylic paint with visible brushstrokes and scratched lines are as multilayered as the story itself. In the final spread, when the bird sings to the seed, waiting for it to sprout, the birdsong is pictured as multicolored egg-shaped bubbles, bursting with apple blossoms and other flowers, suggesting a celebration of the rebirth to come. Maeve Visser Knoth July/August 2022 p.87(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An Italian import, translated by McCalmont, explores nature's beneficence. The highly understated but impactful opening spread shows a little seed--just a black teardrop shape in vast white space--on the recto, while the text on the verso reads "once / there was / a tiny seed. / So small in the / great, big world, / it felt lost and / lonely." Readers will undoubtedly be curious to discover the fate of this vulnerable little pip. Never fear: The generous Earth provides it with soil; the rain waters it; the sun shines on it. As they do so, they each reassure the seed: "Don't be afraid. I'll take care of you." The seed grows into an apple tree that invites a "lost and lonely" bird to nest in its branches. The seasons go by, and soon there is just one apple left on the tree. When it falls to the ground and splits open, its seeds are "cared for by the Earth, the Sky, and the Water," except for one stray seed, which is swept onto barren rocks. Will it be saved? This cyclical story is gentle--no real dramatic twists--and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of caring for the vulnerable and less fortunate. With each narrative development, the refrain "I'll take care of you" is repeated. The acrylic paint and collage illustrations--all double-page spreads full of saturated primary colors--are uplifting with motifs that underscore the interconnectedness of nature. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gentle, soothing, timely story to inspire compassion and kindness. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
