Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams

by Laura Gehl, Patricia Metola (Illustrator)

When the last delicia tree is in danger of extinction, a young girl creates a seed bank as a surprise for Old Otis, whose stories have inspired her. Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis―and for the future. This tender story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Saving Delicia is a beautiful, heartwarming story about a little girl called Kari and her elderly friend Otis who bond over the Delicia tree. Old Otis tells Kari the story why there is only one Delicia tree left - blight (a disease) has killed all the other Delicia tree so now there's only one left for the whole village to share the fruit from it. Kari does some research at the library and makes her very own seed bank with help from her friends and the wider community. When she shows old Otis the seed ban, he's so happy but sadly passes away not long after, along with the last remaining Delicia tree. But thanks to Karis research and planning, when scientists find a cure for the disease, the seeds get planted from the old Delicia fruits that they harvested before it died and the village has many Delicia trees again.
The information at the back of the book about seed banks is fascinating and is something I'm going to look more into with my children after reading this. Such an important, heartfelt, and adorable book I'd highly recommend to all.

[Sharlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 - Good
Cute story of passing down wisdom and blessings for the next generation. Creates discussions about conservation and the importance of caring for nature. Lovely illustrations. Sustains the notion to take opportunities that won't be available forever. An example of time working in the character's favour. Emphasises that age is not a boundary when it comes to friendship. Introduces the concept of a seed bank. Brings forth emotions of longing and determination. Recommended for those searching for progress.

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Saving Delicia" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale that beautifully weaves together themes of environmental conservation, intergenerational relationships, and the power of small actions. The story revolves around Kari, a young girl whose cherished summer memories include indulging in the succulent fruits of the delicia tree and listening to the enchanting stories narrated by Old Otis.

The plot takes an intriguing turn as the last remaining delicia tree faces the threat of extinction, prompting Kari to take matters into her own hands. Fueled by her love for the tree and inspired by Old Otis' stories, she embarks on a mission to create a seed bank, a surprising gift for Otis and a hopeful gesture for the future. The narrative skillfully captures Kari's determination, making her a relatable and admirable protagonist for readers of all ages.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to convey important environmental messages without being preachy. The delicate balance between storytelling and imparting valuable lessons is masterfully achieved. The author skillfully emphasizes the idea that individual actions, even seemingly small ones, can make a significant impact when focused on a broader perspective.

The exploration of the bond between Kari and Old Otis adds depth to the narrative, reinforcing the importance of intergenerational connections. The wisdom passed down through Otis's stories serves as a catalyst for Kari's actions, illustrating the profound influence that storytelling can have on shaping values and inspiring positive change.

The inclusion of an author's note about seed banks around the world adds an educational dimension to the book, enriching the reader's understanding of the real-world implications of the story. It encourages a sense of curiosity and awareness, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"Saving Delicia" is not just a story; it's a celebration of hope, resilience, and the capacity of individuals to make a difference. Through its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, the book successfully delivers a powerful and uplifting message, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly delightful story of friendship across generations, the power of small actions and the need for environmental preservation. Kari loves sitting under the last delicia tree left with Old Otis, eating its sweet fruit and listening to his childhood stories where delicia trees abound. When Otis tells her about blight, a disease that destroyed all but one of the last delicia trees, she takes action. Together with friends, she collects and properly stores all kinds of seeds to preserve them for the future when blight was no longer a threat and they could safely be planted. While Otis might not have seen the regrowth of the delicia trees, Kari ultimately carries on his tradition of sitting under them with local children to keep his story alive. This is a beautifully charming picture book filled with bright illustrations and childlike wonder. Combined with the author’s note at the end of the book introducing readers to The Global Seed Project, this book will not only delight readers, but inform them as well. This is the same author-illustrator duo for another one of my favorite books: Apple & Magnolia and I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive so I can add it to my collection. Simply beautiful.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story about saving trees [along with other plants and flowers and foods] through the making of a seed bank [the author's note at the end really expands on this and has made me realize I need to look into this more and is something families can start together]. It is also a story about friendship, caring for those around us, and continuing the tradition of story-telling over the years.

Beautifully illustrated, this is a story for every family to read and enjoy together as well as learning how important seed banks and caring for the world around us is.

Well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Gehl, Patricia Metola - Illustrator and Flyaway Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about an older gentleman and a young girl bonding over a fictitious fruit and how she later goes on to save it from extinction. It's a poignant and age-appropriate introduction to the concept of seed banking, as well as an example of inter-generational relationships and the value of community. The art gently shows the passing of time and the losses and blessings that that can entail. Yes, I cried. Yes, I learned something. Yes, I loved it. You will, too.

[Julia Shelburne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story about the value of seed banks! The protagonist, Kari, grows up with just one fruit-bearing delicia tree and upon hearing stories from a wise old character, Old Otis, Kari stores seeds for when blight is eliminated from the only habitat where the delicia tree can grow. This book teaches readers about caring for trees for future generations and seed banks. The illustrations are wonderfully colorful and help tell the story well.

Thank you NetGalley and Flyaway Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every summer, Kari and her dog, Cookie, listen to Old Otis tell stories about his childhood. They share the shade of a beautiful fruit tree - the Delicia fruit tree! When Otis was young, there were many, many delicia trees. But a blight killed all but one. Instead of having lots and lots of delicia fruit, the community has to share the fruit from the one tree. This make Kari sad. So one summer, she saves the seeds from her last delicia fruit and asks Otis if they can plant them. Otis explain about the blight and that any new trees are killed by it so until a cure is found for the blight, no new trees can be grown. Kari thinks and thinks - and then comes up with a plan! She visits her library, studies and researches, and then asks Otis if she can use the freezer in his shed. And then she begins to collect and store seeds. Lots and lots of seeds - but especially delicia fruit seeds. But will they be able to grow them?

Sadly, in our world, there are no delicia trees because it was created by the author. But there are seed banks that keep the seeds from thousands of other plants safe, just in case the world needs to plant more. The author provides an explanation of seed banks at the end of the book. Of course, there are also plants that have gone extinct so who knows? Maybe once upon a time there was a delicia fruit but no Kari to save it.

Old Otis does die in the book - and so does the last delicia tree. And, of course, Cookie though you only realize that when you read the plaque in the orchard and see that Kari has a new dog. Because since it takes a while for trees to grow and bear fruit, the book ends with Kari as an adult. With a brand new dog.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. This book is very gentle and soft - in the colors and in the way it explores the very important topic of creating seed banks.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gehl and Metola first teamed up on the children’s book APPLE AND MAGNOLIA, a beautiful story of friendship between a young girl and the trees in her backyard. The fictional tree in this story, the delicia tree, bears the most juicy fruit and the best shade in the summer. However, it is threatened by blight, a disease that attacks plants. Kari is determined to save her delicia tree and begins a special project to do just that.

Kari and Old Otis like to sit under the tree eating the delicious fruit and sharing stories. Soon, Old Otis warns Kari of the likely disease affecting their favorite tree. Kari remembers Old Otis telling of his grandmother saving seeds and sharing them with anyone who needed them.

Kari does her research and begins saving the seeds from the delicia fruit. Even though there is only one delicia tree now, maybe someday there will be many delicia trees and fruit to share with everyone.

Metola’s art seems to use a mixture of formats including markers and watercolors. But, the combination makes for joyful illustrations that pop on the pages. Laura Gehl takes a big idea, the dying of trees and plants due to disease, insects, or the changing climate, and makes it understandable and relatable to kids. The heartwarming story of a girl and her favorite tree will encourage your child to care for plants and maybe they will even want to start their own neighborhood seed garden.

The author shares facts about the Global Seed Bank housed near the North Pole. She also encourages readers to check out their local library as many have started their own seed libraries for check out.

[Karla Fasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Delicia

Every summer Kari sits under the shade of the Delicia tree, listening to Otis’ childhood stories. She is transported to a time when the Delicia tree was found in abundance and the juices of its fruit would run down Otis’ chin. With only one tree left, the town shares its sweet and tangy fruit. In danger of losing the tree to extinction, Kari is inspired to keep it alive. Feeling imaginative and determined, she designs a creative plan utilizing old knowledge, research, community involvement and hope and... the result is a successful one! This is a delightful story that beautifully presents a world of hope and love to young readers, at the same time delicately tapping into the hard topics of death and the danger of extinction. Gehl masterfully delivers an uplifting message that empowers and promotes action. Readers of all ages will appreciate the storytelling and creativity, but the most enriching element is discovering the positive influence of cultivating inter-generational relationships. Metola’s soft and colorful illustrations add light to Kari’s world, highlighting both nature’s beauty and that of human relationships. In the back of the book is an author’s note providing interesting information about blight disease and the function of seed banks. A sweet and highly recommended book!

Out Now! ...Thank you to Netgalley and Flyaway Books for sharing an advanced copy with me. The review is solely based on my own analysis and is of my own words.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Delicia is a story about a little girl, her friends Old Otis, saving seeds and the environment. Kari loves the fruit from the Delicia Tree, but there is only one left in the world, in her town has to share the fruit. Old Otis tells her about the tree, and how it died from blight. The blight will also kill any seeds they plant, so unless the scientists find a cure. when that tree dies, Delicia Trees will be extinct. Kari comes up with an idea and with the help of her friends, some research and Otis' freezer, they collect seeds not only from the Delicia Fruit, but other plants and flowers and create a seed bank for the future. There is a bit of sadness as the time comes when both Old Otis and the Delicia Tree dies.

I liked this story a bit more than my youngest grandkids. The first thing we has to do was google the Delicia Tree. Although I knew it was fictional, it was a good teaching point about research and looking things up. We also looked up plant blight and extinct plants as the two older ones found this interesting. The illustrations were nice, although a bit to basic to attract interest. This is a great book for classrooms, schools and even parents who want to teach about the environment, extinction and that even small things can make a change in our world. 5 Stars from me, 4 from the kids.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAVING DELICIA: A STORY ABOUT SMALL SEEDS AND BIG DREAMS is a marvelous picture book about intergenerational friendship and how one small act can make a big difference.

Kari spends summer days listening to Old Otis tell stories. But when he tells Kari that her beloved delicia tree is in danger of extinction, she decides to do something about it.

Clocking in at 500 words, author Dr. Laura Gehl’s story expertly weaves together themes of growing up, death, teamwork, perseverance, and hope for the future.

Artist Patricia Metola skillfully depicts those themes using child-like illustrations crafted from colored pencils, paint, and other materials. The wordless spread showing a passage of time is especially powerful.

This is the second book I’ve read with Gehl and Metola as the author-illustrator team. The other book is the equally beautiful APPLE AND MAGNOLIA.

Gehl shares her inspiration for SAVING DELICIA in an Author’s Note, along with information about seed banks.

Intended for ages 3-7; grades K-1.

Want to support the writer, artist, and many others who brought this book to life? Borrow and/or buy the book, ask your local bookstore/library to purchase copies, and share your review of the book online.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Flyaway books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Kari loves listening to old Otis telling his stories of childhood when many Delicia trees grew. But the trees all but one got sick and died. One day Kari decides to save them she’s going to make a seed bank so when there’s a cure she can bring them back.

This was really sweet I loved Kari and Otis’s relationship, I loved how much the stories and the trees meant to her and how she wanted to do everything she could to save the trees.

She was so creative learning about a seed bank and starting one with all her friends to make sure different plants and foods get saved so they can grow them again to keep them growing.

I also loved how she continued on Otis legacy by sharing all the stories with all the children, of the magical trees and how she had only one until she helped make more. It was just honestly such a sweet story.

This is a great book for helping children learn about nature, about plants, maintaining them, helping them, preserving them. Though the fruit in this story isn’t real the story behind it is and I like that this will encourage children to want to save more fruit and vegetables and keep the seeds safe.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the other day I was listening to someone who was trying to propagate from seeds, because they were the cleanest, meaning that they didn’t usually carry fungus, or diseases from the plant they came from. We forget that plants usually come from seeds, and that seedbanks are needed to keep some species alive as their environment changes, and they can no longer survive where they used to.

This picture book is about that, in that there is a species of fruit tree called delicia, and that it is dying out. Kari asks why no one just doesnt’ plant new ones, and Otis, who has been around a long time, says that the blight keeps killing them off.

So Deleicia starts a seed bank where the seeds can be held until the blight is gone, or there is a cure for it.

And thus she is able to save and reestablish the Delicia trees and their fruit.

Sweet story, based on real life seed banks that are around to help save plants from extinction. (The author includes information about Seed Banks at the end of the book).

Good way to introduce children to the concept of not only saving seeds, but also of plants dying out because of blights.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published the 9th of April 2024.

[Julia Wasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great idea for a picture book! Kari's determination to save her friend Otis's delicia tree from the blight that has decimated all the other delicias had me itching to get my own native seeds into the ground. Many of our California native seeds are from plants that have become rare or endangered due to development, invasive non-native weeds, climate change. The work of people who collect, store, study, and share these seeds, which truly are the hope for the future, is so important, and shown in this book with a light touch and engaging characters. I love seeing the steps Kari takes to save the seeds and restore the trees, and the author's note about seed banks is fascinating. The North Pole - who knew! Absolutely beautiful illustrations help keep a story about serious environmental issues light and inspiring. Well done.

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated story with SO many layers. On its face, it is a story of a little girl who, instead of accepting the status quo, makes a choice to do something about it. But it is also about the beauty found in intergenerational friendships, about how wonderful stories are when they are passed from generation to generation, and about how one tiny act from one person can impact an entire community. I loved Gehl’s use of subtle word play (“a tiny idea sprouted in her mind” and “her plan began to take root,”) and Metola’s flowery illustrations (particularly the colorful and adorable endpapers!) are breathtaking. A wonderful Note From The Author explains that while this story is one of fiction, there are indeed real seed banks around the world that help to revive much needed crops that have been killed by blight, or plant disease. Overall, another incredible book!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Flyaway Books through NetGalley.
Charming story of a young girl and an elderly man who shares stories with her about the past. They sit under the last of the Delicia trees and enjoy the time together. Otis tells Kari of a time when there were plenty of trees before the blight killed them all. Kari listens and hopes to plant more after scientists solve the issue. She gets the idea to create a seed bank for all of the flowers and trees in their area. Death is dealt with gently when Otis and the tree pass away. Readers see Kari plant and nurture Delicia trees as she grows up. The story ends full circle as she shares about the past with children. Don't miss the informative text about seed banks at the end.
Terrific to open dialogue about conservation and planting for the future.

[Kat Harnisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic children’s book. The main character, Kari, is friends with an old man named Otis, and they work together to re-grow Delicia trees, fruit that was once common in the man’s youth but is now scarce.

This book teaches so many things: the necessary work of caring for the earth, the concept of seed banks, that teamwork helps to solve problems, and that friendship has no age limit. Old man Otis, Kari, and the dog were so lovely they just tug on your heartstrings. I will be reading this to my daughter many times as she grows!

The other thing that I LOVED about this book was the illustration. Patricia Metola did a wonderful job of making this book beautifully vibrant. The reason I picked up this book was the front cover illustration, and the interior illustrations were just as great.

Highly, highly recommend.

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kari loves to listen Old Otis tell stories about when he was young and ate the fruit of the Delicia tree all
summer long. Unfortunately,blight has killed off all the Delicia trees except for one. Old Otis explains
to Kari that unless scientists discover a cure for the blight, any Delicia trees grown from planted seeds
will die. With the help of her friemds, Kari collects seeds for a seed bank. While old Otis and the single
Delicia tree are gone, scientists discover the cure for blight. Happily, due to the seed bank, Delicia trees
are once again plentiful.
Beautiful story about how changes to the environment have harmed plants and the need to preserve seeds
for the future when they can be safely grown again.
#SavingDelicia #NetGalley

[Roha Tahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Delicia was a very cute read. The story was very heart warming and the illustrations were very pretty. I especially loved the concept of this book and the information about seed banks given was very informative.
With climate change and urbanisation of every possible place on Earth, it’s extremely important we teach our kids to care about our planet but to also take little initiatives.
The best part about this book is that its an interesting read, its rfictitious but its thought provoking and informative. It doesn’t blandly drone on about the importance of preserving nature, it subtly plants the seeds in the reader’s mind. It engages the reader with a fun, heart warming story and vibrant illustrations.
Highly recommend.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Delicia is a story about connection to other people and connection to nature. Kari associates the delicia tree with friendship, with stories, and with sweet, tangy fruit. Blight is about to take away the tree, but Kari’s memories are intact. And those memories spur her to action.

Readers are introduced to the very real and important concept of seed banks through the fictional delicia tree. Author Laura Gehl’s warm and gentle text is comfortable to read aloud. It has a lovely rhythm to it that conveys feeling with few words. Equally lovely is Patricia Metola’s whimsical illustrations. Her use of white space and color convey emotion and energy throughout.

This is a great option for helping little readers understand the roles they can play in caring for our planet.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story about a little girl who starts a seed bank so she can save a special kind of tree after others like it succumb to blight. But this story at its heart is about connection: between an elderly neighbor and a little girl, between the community and the special tree, and between people and our planet. It's a wonderful introduction to seed banks and biodiversity. And I think kids will be inspired, just like the little girl in the story, to take action in their own communities.

The illustrations are whimsical and warm and just perfect for the story. Highly recommend!

[Katey Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAVING DELICIA: A STORY ABOUT SMALL SEEDS AND BIG DREAMS brings together intergenerational friendship, ecological awareness and thoughtfulness, and a sense of a caring community. Young Kari and her pup, Cookie, hang out near the last Felicia tree with an older gentleman named Otis and, when he explains why there is only one delicia left, Kari begins a seed collection that soon has contributors from all over the neighborhood. With the loss of Otis and Cookie and the advance of science that allows Felicia to grow again, we move forward in time, watching Kari - and an orchard of delicia trees - grow and feed the community in their own ways.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a moving and inspiring tale about a child who sees the potential to do something for her community and for future generations and takes action. While author Laura Gehl's note at the end of the book explains that delicia trees are imaginary, the story makes the idea of seed banks--which are very real and important in today's changing world--both tangible and engaging. The connection between the child, Kari, and the older man, Otis, is really sweet, and Patricia Metola's illustrations are so playful and warm.

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight on so many levels!
1. Excellent storytelling. I was swept into the world of the characters, fully invested in their emotional highs and lows.
2. Gorgeous illustration. The pictures were dreamy. While the palate was bright and playful, the abstract quality helped the story reach its emotional heights.
3. Educational. What a fantastic way to get kids to care about the importance of seed banks.
A true marvel of a book! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to everyone--home, school, and libraries!

[Alexandra Cashman Macken · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Kari, summer means eating the juicy fruit of the delicia tree and hearing Old Otis' stories of the past. When the delicia tree is threatened, Kari decides to surprise Otis and save the future of the magnificent fruit.

I found this story rich and beautiful. The delicia tree was reminiscent to me of the olive trees in Palestine and the importance of intergenerational story telling really sat in the foreground throughout. I particularly enjoyed the Authors Note on the Global Seed Bank and the reminder that our small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact on the world.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With endearing child-like illustrations full of simple lines and brilliant color, "Saving Delicia" is a heartwarming tale about the small steps one child takes to preserve a beloved tree for future generations. When Old Otis tells Kari stories about how there came to be one last delicia tree, Kari is inspired to find a way to save the seeds and protect the beloved tree. Laura Gehl does a magnificent job of showing ecological change as a generational concept and the connections that can be made between the past and the future.

[Lisa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the tenderness in this book. It is about something that could go away forever, but if you care for it and love it, it may just stay. The art in this book was beautiful. It was a book that told of how generations of things can be carried on and on and on. I am so glad to find in the authors notes that the delicia fruit is not a real thing. I was going to look up the fruit and see where I could find. it. This is a good story to read to my students and work on comprehending with them.

[Chrissy Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari like sitting under the Delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. She wonders what would happen if her one and only Delicia tree would die. She decides to save the seeds from the last fruit of the season. Luckily she does, because before she know it, the tree dies and unfortunately Old Otis passes away too. Kari ends up starting a grove of Delicia growing for generations to enjoy!

A sweet book with an important message! I love how the back of the book talks about seed banks too.

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poignant story shares a bond between a girl and “Old Otis” along with a tree species that has been wiped out through disease. Though fiction, the story tells of how the girl starts her own seedbank which ultimately saves the tree from extinction. It’s a lovely story of resilience and the circle of life. The illustrations are gorgeous, too, with a vivid pallet of mostly blues and oranges. When the story comes full circle at the end, it creates a satisfying and beautiful story of hope and love. Highly recommend!