How Does a Seed Sprout?: And Other Questions About Plants

Good Question!

by Melissa Stewart, Carol Schwartz (Illustrator)

What is a seed—and will all of them eventually become plants? What happens to plants in winter? Why do leaves come in so many sizes and shapes? Do insects help plants, or harm them?  A virtual garden of information grows here for young readers to enjoy.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Childrens, Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 180 science and nature books for children. She offers a wide range of programs for schools, libraries, nature centers, and conferences. www.melissa-stewart.com"

Reviews

[Miss Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this nonfiction book about seeds and plants. There is a mix of photographs and detailed illustrations that take up the full page. On the opposing page is usually a few paragraphs of text, usually with one fun fact or side caption. Each body of text starts with a heading in bold, a question like "Do all seeds grow into new plants?" and "Why do plants need stems?" At the end, there is a good diagram of a flowering plant's life and a list of books and websites for learning more. I definitely think this one is worth adding to a juvenile nonfiction collection.

[Stephanie Willing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely PB with great information presented simply. Photos and illustrations are compelling. Natural fit for a classroom or nature-loving kid.

[Jean Coughlin]

1. Opening: Most of the time we plant seeds in the Spring so they have a lot of warm, sunny days to grow and produce flowers, trees, or fruit. We know plants need water, but what else do they need? Do you know what a seed is? Do you know how they sprout or why they have different kinds of leaves? This book will answer many of our questions that we have about seeds and plants. What questions do you have? Let's see if the answer is in this book.
2. Opening moves: I used provide important background information, raise questions to spark curiosity, and raise questions in the readers' minds.
3. Rationale: I chose this book as my intermediate book. There are few books at this level related to the seasons. I considered this intermediate because of the readability and the depth of subject. I felt that those students who knew the basics and had a high interest in plants could use this to delve deeper into the subject.
4. I have tried Titlewave, Amazon, Kirkus reviews, NY times, and have found no reviews.

[Pam Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of illustrations and photographs accompany the text in this fact-filled book on plants. Each page contains a question or two that is asked about plants with the answer provided. More information is provided on "plant stakes" in the earth. Table of contents, extensive index, and a "find out more" page for further exploring are provided.

[N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Q&A format of this as Stewart takes readers through the cycle of growth for a seed.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic info about plants.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book and very informative--much more than just sprouting seeds.