Seed

by Caryl Lewis

Marty doesn't have much--unlike his mum, who seems to hold on to everything. Life at home is tough, but Marty finds sanctuary down at the community garden with his eccentric grandad.

On Marty's birthday, Grandad gifts him a seed. There's magic in seeds, you know. You can never tell what wonders are in them. As it turns out, Grandad has a rather wonderful plan up his sleeve. It involves wishes, a pumpkin, and a trip all the way from England to Paris.

Funny, inspiring, and larger-than-life, Seed is a story about believing in dreams--your own, and those of the people you love.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook, Adventure, Juvenile

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2022

About the author

Caryl Lewis is an award winning Welsh language novelist. She was raised in Aberaeron before moving at the age of twelve to her family's farm in the parish of Dihewyd. She is an alumnus of Durham University and University of Wales Aberystwyth. Her first novel, Dal hi!, was published in 2003.

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch hat mich zu Tränen gerührt. Es war genau das richtige im richtigen Moment.
Jemand der dir sagt wie wichtig es ist zu Träumen und nicht immer realistische Träume es können auch verrückte sein, solange man Spaß dabei hat und sich die Welt zu einem schöneren Ort macht.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming family story about wishing, family and following your dreams.

It gets you 'right in the feels' from the start. Marty and his mum don't have much money, his uniform is second-hand, his quilt cover is an old Mickey Mouse one.. but worse than all that is the fact that his mum is a hoarder. Their house is full of 'stuff' that she won't throw away. He's drowning in it.

So much so that his granddad won't even come round anymore. A bit of an eccentric inventor, Marty visits his granddad at his allotment for air and space. It's when Granddad is only able to give Marty a seed for his birthday that things start to happen though...

It's not Jack and the Beanstalk. It's not James and the Giant Peach. But it is fantastical and rather lovely.

Not only does the book give us a focus on mental health issues, but Marty also meets a girl with a cochlear implant who keeps people at bay with her sharp wit and sarcasm, but just might be hiding a soft core of her own.

There are some lovely characters here, from a Granddad who refuses to accept reality and ordinary life as it is, to a school guidance counsellor with some slightly wacky ways of advising his students. Marty has bullies to overcome, Gracie has ambitions to fulfil - it's a rather full novel for KS2/KS3 readers.

And the denouement and climax of the story almost feels rushed, as there's so much that comes before it. It had me smiling, and I think this would make a lovely mini-series for children's television.

There are some great relationships here, and some good storylines for PSHE discussions.

Marty is definitely a contemporary protagonist that many will identify with, and it's lovely to have the wish-fulfilment/dreams idea used so well without moving outside the broad boundaries of real-world possibilities.

A great read. For ages 9-13.

[nobody]

کتاب معمولی‌ای بود. با شخصیت‌های معمولی‌تر. می‌فهمم که نویسنده می‌خواست چی رو بهمون بگه و بعضی دیالوگ‌ها هم خوب بود، ولی درکل حسم موقع خوندنش مثل حسم به اون انیمیشن‌های آبکی‌ای بود که توی بعدازظهرهای گرم و طولانی زمانی که کودک بودم از تلوزیون نگاه می‌کردم فقط چون حوصله‌م سر رفته بود‌.
اگه بخوام به بچه‌ها هم کتابی معرفی کنم، کتاب‌های نوجوان بهتر و پخته‌تری سراغ دارم. ولی صفحه‌ی آخر کتاب رو دوست داشتم. جمله‌ی آخر رو. اونجا که گفت "و می‌دانید چه؟ همین کافی است."
جلد خیلی خوشگلی هم داشت. می‌دونم که خیلی‌ها کتاب‌ها رو بخاطر جلدشون می‌خرن و خب، این احتمالا یکی از اون کتاب‌هاست.

[Mim_farahani · Rating 3 out of 5]

دانه
کتابی در ستایش رویا
در ستایش با هم بودن

و معمولی!

[teach_book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Podobało mi się! Ta siła marzeń jest niesamowita 🥹

[Książkomanka · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75/5 ⭐

Fajny przekaz dla młodszych, ta książka daje nadzieję. Super, że jest reprezentacja osoby głuchej (szkoda, że pojawił się błąd w postaci powielenia jednego stereotypu). Ogółem fajna, nietypowa i z przesłaniem, ale mam poczucie, że starsi czytelnicy (tacy w moim wieku) mogą się z nią trochę wyminąć

[Mel Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty is holding onto a lot of secrets. He doesn't know his father, he hasn't any cool sneakers, and his mother can't leave the house. Though he often feels suffocated by his mother's mountains of stuff, his grandfather's community garden plot provides some fresh air.

On his birthday, Marty's grandfather gifts him a seed, encouraging him to nurture it and observe what it becomes. With the help of a classmate, Gracie, Marty learns that wishes are not just painful secrets - they carry the power to bring people together.

Seed is whimsically told, emphasizing on the importance of hope. Marty learns expression and communication from Gracie, and Grandad is a rock standing firm in the tide of familial instability.

There are so many serious elements in the first half of the book that I was taken aback by the magic of the second half. Overall it was lovely and compassionate and uplifting.

[Elizabeth Seals · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say that I was more impressed with this book than I was. I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief with Marty and his pumpkin adventures. I enjoyed the discussions about how holding in anger/frustration is harmful, but I wish we had more thoughtful discussions. Gracie's introduction was a bit clunky to me, but she was a solid character. I think kids will be blown away with the idea of a sailing pumpkin, but I think older audiences may struggle to suspend their beliefs.

[Abigail Yarwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book because it's hilarious. It would be good to have a seed that made your wishes come true. I would recommend this to children age 6 plus

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een boek dat jonge lezers stimuleert om te dromen, zo groot mogelijk ongeacht waar je vandaan komt of hoe raar die droom ook lijkt? Ja, daar ben ik fan van hè?

[Maciej Gospodarek · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐

[SilverNediya · Rating 4 out of 5]

در حد سه‌ونیم ستاره به نظرم خوب بود
نیم ستاره هم به خاطر جناب کدوتنبل و سرنوشتش تقدیم کردم. یه چند جمله‌ی جالبی هم داشت درمورد امید و رؤیا و آرزو و فلان و اینا

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. The characters are really relatable, and their struggles are realistic, and then the adventures they have are humorous and larger than life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, as a teacher looking for new literature to share with my pupils, and am very likely to use this book. I would have given it five stars as it is nearly perfect. However, for me it was spoiled by the use of expletives like "Oh God" and "Jesus", which can be offensive, and is not really the kind of language I'd like to share with children who are 8 and 9 years old. I'm not sure the reference to snogging is particularly helpful either in a book for children. ( I'll deal with this by reading the book aloud to the children and not giving them their own copy. Then I can simply miss out/change those words). Apart from that disappointment, the book is perfect in every other way. I was gripped by the story and wanted to read on to find out what happened next. The topics of parents splitting up and difficult family relationships was handed in such a gentle, sensitive, supportive way. This book would lead to some great discussion about life, families and friendships, as well as a bit of topic work on gardening and growing.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chiefly about relationships (community gardens, bullying related to poverty, friendship and difficult/dysfunctional parent-child relationships), and with a touch of magic, this story gives a nod to Jack and the beanstalk and James and the giant peach.

It features a deaf girl, a boy with a mother who hoards and cannot leave the house, and a grandpa who loves gardening. Grandpa grows a giant pumpkin, which they hollow out and sail to Paris.

It wasn't quite what I expected, as I was told it was an adaptation of Jack and the beanstalk. Sure, there were elements (growing a seed), but it's hardly what I'd call an "adaptation". Still, it was a nice enough story, the elements of a dysfunctional household (both Marty and Grace have parents who aren't very good at being parents) were heavy but age-appropriate, and children in about grade 3/4 will enjoy the adventure aspect.

I wish children's literature wouldn't have the characters swear using "God". It's so unnecessary and not a good role model. :(

[Megan Qualls · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit cheesy, and you really gotta to suspend your disbelief for a lot of the plot lines because no sane adult would actually let these things happen, but this is a cute read I would recommend to young middle schoolers. It’s kind of like Mason Buttle meets James and the Giant Peach. It is a very heartfelt book without going into the sappy zone (like the House on the Cerulean Sea is sickeningly sappy). I kept expecting something sinister to happen, but the suspense/threats were always low-key. I would give this book a G-rating if it was a movie. I do love the representation of this kid having a hoarder as a mother. That was a unique experience, and one that makes me thoughtful about the lives of my students after they leave school grounds.

Also, side note, a plane ticket from Wales to Paris can’t be much 😂 I could buy a round trip to most places in Europe for around 40 euro. It would be a lot less effort for the granddad to just buy some plane tickets, but then we wouldn’t have a cute story of a kid, his grandad, and his best friend trying to sail from Wales to Paris in a pumpkin 🤣

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryl Lewis is another new author for me. I could not resist the amazing cover!

I really loved this story. The characters are great. They’re all well-rounded and feel real. They all have their difficulties, but they work to overcome them.

I loved the plot, it’s like a modern day fairy tale. It’s so unexpected, and slightly crazy, but utterly brilliant. I can’t really say much more without spoilers, so you’ll have to read it to find out!

Oh, and the illustrations are marvellous. I especially love the one of the shed at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall, this was a brilliant story that was just so much fun. It reminds us all to keep believing in ourselves. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books from this author.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Kara (bookishskippy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seed is a beautiful novel with a lot of gardening 👩‍🌾 themes.

3 🌟

Grandad gives Marty a seed for his birthday. "You should realize that seeds contain 🪄 magic. You never know what surprises await you inside." Grandad, it turns out, has a brilliant scheme up his sleeve. It features a pumpkin 🎃 , wishes, and a journey from England 🇬🇧 to Paris.

Each of the characters faces their own set of challenges in life. I liked how this book had so many cute drawings, which allowed small children 👧 to be more engaged in the story. This author was able to cover a variety of key topics that young children 👦 experienced, including friendship troubles, teamwork, gardening 👨‍🌾 , nature 🍃, and shattered families dealing with divorce.

Thank you #pansing for this amazing arc! This will be out in all good bookstores ✨💕

[Elizabeth Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a gardener this title instantly jumped off the shelf saying, “Take me home!”. It was a super sweet story with the message that feeding your dreams and wishes plus feeding your own soul, truly will make all your wishes come true.

“Marty doesn't have much―unlike his mom, who seems to hold on to everything. Life at home is tough, but Marty finds sanctuary down at the community garden with his eccentric grandad.

On Marty's birthday, Grandad gifts him a seed. "There’s magic in seeds, you know. You can never tell what wonders are in them." As it turns out, Grandad has a rather wonderful plan up his sleeve. It involves wishes, a pumpkin, and a trip all the way from England to Paris.

Funny, inspiring, and larger-than-life, Seed is a story about believing in dreams―your own, and those of the people you love.”

[Book-Social · Rating 4 out of 5]

My middle daughter isn’t much of a reader so when she happened to mention that Seed was her favourite book I felt duty bound to read it and see just what exactly had captured her that so many other book hadn’t. There is some hard hitting stuff – deafness, childhood loneliness and a hoarder parent not your average reading for a middle grade book but this was dealt with expertly. Humour and some colourful characters, I particularly liked Marty’s grandad, made it a special read. The magical element wasn’t over done and this certainly isn’t a world building, alternative universe scenario that some kids don’t get on with. I really enjoyed reading it and can easily see why it’s my daughter’s favourite book – now to get her to read something else!

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light-hearted read featuring the life of a school boy, who encounters the oh-so-real problems that children have to deal with nowadays. This book tells about divorce and its emotional impact on children - sometimes feeling invisible, sometimes being plain frustrated at the way things are.

I loved how this book touched on these topics, and still being successful in showing how hope can transform one's life. Gracie, Marty and Grandad, with each of their unique character traits and personalities, will live in my heart for some time more.

The entire story plot seemed so real and so alive. Crazy and fantastical plans that just teach you, that anything is possible if you have hope.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My seven year old daughter found this book at the library and insisted we read it. I don’t know that I would have chosen it myself (actually, I do know, I wouldn’t have), but we enjoyed reading it together.

The whole premise of sailing in a giant pumpkin to Paris was amusing but hard to reconcile with the rest of the story which was much less fanciful and whimsical. I felt like it didn’t fit in with the otherwise realistic and somewhat serious nature of the book (dysfunctional parents, hoarding, bullying, etc). But…I did find out today that someone actually HAS turned a pumpkin into a flotation device and for that, I have this book to thank. ;)

[Camilla Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it a lot but didn’t love it.

I adored the idea of the pumpkin growing with wishes and secrets but wanted that to be the focus rather than the strange desire to make it into a boat and sail to Paris. Couldn’t get my head round the point of that.

There were lots of issues such as a deaf character, bullying, hoarding, family separation, absent father, isolation and that made things slightly skimmed over, failing to give genuine depth or insight.

However, it was paced nicely, a sweet story and I liked the friendship and the relationship with Granddad.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise. Not at the beginning when the characters are introduced. Poor bullied MC with no dad, a mom who is a hoarder and a grandad who is loving, but a dreamer, mainly spends time in his garden. Best friend is living with an absent father and is also deaf. THEN, things get SUPER interesting with the planting of a pumpkin and the crazy plan for it. The bullies are dealt with in a way that I was not expecting. Whimsical. Pleasantly surprising. (I've used the word surprise too many times.)

[Katie Cat Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade. Parent with mental illness. Hopes and dreams.

Story: Marty's granddad lives in a garden shed with very few belongings. Marty's mom lives in a house that is overflowing with hoarded items. Marty lives in the bedroom. On his birthday Marty receives a single seed from his granddad.

Language: suburban UK, near present, b&w illustrations throughout. Parent with mental illness, side character with disability, poverty.

Characters: Marty, his mom, granddad and others.

A fun read, reminded me a bit of Wizard of Oz and James and the Giant Peach. Great for all.

[Vona Karns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about believing in yourself and that dreams are possible. Good upper elementary book. And they’re all British and the audio book was done by an Englishman which made it even more fun. Two children who couldn’t be more different strikeout a friendship, run down the bullies together, and have a magical time with Grandad.

[Elisabetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was so well done. The way the author described everything Marty interacted with seemed so in character for a young boy. This book was equal parts silly and serious. You had to suspend a lot of disbelief but also there were moments in this book that were very very real. I think this is a wonderful example of childhood. There are hard things that children encounter but there is a sense of whimsy that comes along with other things they go through in their life. Marty had a lot of big problems, and a lot of big emotions. I think this was represented in an age-appropriate manner for readers and for the character himself.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to have ordered this book when I placed it at the library, but I don’t remember doing it. Sometimes it’s better not to question, but rather to accept and enjoy. What a wonderful little story. A book for children for sure but don’t we have a child inside each of us? I needed this experience for the smile it gave me.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do children do when the grownups are having their own struggles? Lewis paints a great picture with lovable characters who learn to cope and thrive even though their parents aren't creating the best circumstances for them.

I struggle reading fantasy books, but this one had enough realistic fiction that it was enjoyable! A sweet story with a great theme.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

What grabs you here is the great feel of accuracy when it comes to outsider characters; what you're left with is gratitude too for a wonderful, fantasy-driven adventure.

For my full review please turn to:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/S...

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally wonderful warm-hearted & humorous MG magical fiction. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....