You Are a Little Seed

Starred review from January 15, 2024
Growing flowers symbolize children's development in this South Korean import. A young child holding on to a dandelion seed drifts along ("A seed, a seed blowing in the wind..."). The next page shows the kid wearing the same yellow dress but now older, firmly grasping a flower that "took root in the wild and bloomed as a dandelion." The book continues similarly; each tot is compared to a different seed and eventually blooms in their unique way, much like their comparative blossom. Another youngster sits in a star-shaped pod, staring uncertainly ("A seed, a seed crouching down low..."). The next page shows the child, older and confidently smiling ("raised its head proudly and bloomed as a peony"). A forlorn little one described as "delicate to the touch" develops into a "balsam that never gave way to scorching sun or pouring rain." Eventually readers are told that they, too, are seeds; Choi asks them what kind of bloom they will be. The lyrical text pairs well with the realistic portrayals of flowers and the charming cartoon depictions of the kids. Warm colors fill the pages, from autumnal browns to springlike pinks. The only questionable moment is when the author describes a seed as "ugly and wrinkled"; readers may raise an eyebrow at the idea of referring to a child as physically unattractive. An encouraging tale of growth. (Picture book. 5-8)

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