If You Plant A Seed by Kadir Nelson is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the power of kindness, generosity, and patience. The story follows a rabbit and a mouse who plant seeds to grow vegetables, but the narrative takes a deeper turn when a group of birds arrives, hoping to share in the harvest.
At first, the animals refuse to share, leading to a chaotic scene of fighting and destruction. But when the rabbit and mouse choose kindness by offering a small part of their crop to the birds, an unexpected reward comes in the form of a bountiful and flourishing garden.
Nelson’s stunning, photorealistic illustrations bring the animals and the environment to life, making the book a visual delight. The contrast between the chaos of selfishness and the beauty of kindness is powerfully depicted, with minimal text allowing the images to speak volumes. The story carries a gentle but impactful message about the effects of our actions on others and the importance of sharing and cooperation.
If You Plant A Seed is an ideal book for teaching young readers the value of patience, kindness, and generosity. It demonstrates how small, thoughtful acts can grow into something much greater than expected, both literally and figuratively. This heartfelt, visually captivating book leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to plant seeds of goodness in their own lives.
Questions to ask while reading:
- Have you ever planted a seed? Share your experience and what you learned about how a tiny seed can transform into a big plant.
- Think about small acts of kindness you’ve witnessed or done. How can these “seeds of kindness” grow and impact others?
- In the story, the animals and birds chose to sow “seeds of kindness.” Reflect on how both selfishness and generosity can lead to significant outcomes in our lives.
If You Plant A Seed on Amazon