Why shouldn't we? Good books -- books by favorite authors, books by debut authors, books you've been waiting for, books you've heard about, books others are talking about -- will be around us awhile. We'll be sharing their titles, the author's and the illustrator's names, the publisher, etc. I always try to remember a book's publication year!
I like to tweet about book birthdays, and I often do. I am always happy for the author and the illustrator, and I can only imagine the joy they must feel as their book goes out for others to read! But I am also happy for the readers who will finally get to read the book.
Today, If You Plant a Seed (HarperChildren's, 2015) celebrates its official birthday.
I first saw a partial galley at ALA MidWinter in Chicago. That rabbit on the cover front and center with the bold, reflective eyes completely grabbed my attention.
Nelson, Kadir. If You Plant a Seed. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2015. Print.
Rabbit and Mouse plant some seeds together. They wait for the seeds to grow and are rewarded with a bountiful harvest (which they enjoy heartily). But when The Birds want a share of the meal, Rabbit and Mouse have no intention of complying. After a conflict ensues, and Rabbit and Mouse see the consequences, they try sharing instead. The result is an act of kindness that brings happiness to all of the animals.
Bold, rich colors and large-size renderings of animals and vegetables combine beautifully in this quiet but powerful book. For me, the gorgeous paintings are reminiscent of vintage illustrations on seed packets. Kadir Nelson makes a simple head of lettuce look so perfect.
In a two-page spread showing the standoff (Rabbit and Mouse vs The Birds), Nelson creates a mood of conflict in an otherwise peaceful field -- It's all in the eyes and turn of animals' heads.
And on the very next page, as The Birds stare at readers and prepare for their next move, you can feel what might be coming. And you realize that this picture book story is filled with tension as well as beauty.
Watch Rabbit. When he turns his head, looks up at The Birds, reads a gardening book, or lies on his back, he is telling you something. And how brave is Mouse? Is it just because he's friends with Rabbit. I don't think so.
Though it's clear the illustrations are impressive, the story will inspire conversations about sharing, following the crowd, group work, planning ahead, and so on and so on.
This book is a definite must-read AND a must-see.
Looks lovely! Adding to my (endless) list!
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