Poppyseed

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Poppyseed, the first calf born in the spring, learns the responsibility and pleasure to be had in being a big brother.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Maria Shuffit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving the Serendipity books when I was a kid, and now that I'm a few months out from bringing my own child into the world, they were some of the first books I dug out of my old collection to add to his!

I think this will be a wonderful book to read aloud during naptimes - beautiful, flowing imagery and subtle alliteration, coupled with a storyline that is heartfelt but not overly action-packed, make this a sweet and calm story. Each Serendipity book has a lesson in it, and this one is about becoming an older sibling. The illustrations are possibly one of the best parts - soft and beautiful to look at. I loved this book as a kid and I appreciate it in a whole new way as an adult!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and the importance that it put on Poppyseed who finds himself going from a single child to an older child between many. The author has beautiful, short and simple words that will make reading easy for any child reader.

The pictures are so adorable they make you want to hug Poppyseed and take him home, especially when he thinks is going to help with the plowing.

[Atlantis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part of a series from the ‘70s (Serendipity). Colorful pictures and a little lesson in each story. About one paragraph a page alongside a full page picture.

[JD Waggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being the youngest in my family, I couldn't take to the lesson of this Serendipity installment as personally as some ("Beinga big brother or sister is a special job"). The way Cosgrove gets there is solid, though. He captures perfectly how confusing it is for kids when they have that first younger sibling because the world is suddenly not all about them and that's weird and they feel like they are somehow wrong or have done something wrong.
The adult cattle were kind of jerks, so I don't know what was going on there. But this is a great thing to give to a kid on the approach of the first younger sibling; beautiful illustrations as ever and a very sweet way to empower the older kid.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Verry cute! The art was stunning!