If you’ve been a longtime follower of my blog, you must know that I embrace all things nature. My love for the environment moseys, sprouts, and ambles through many of my picture book manuscripts as well as my blog posts, where this fascination is evident in the books I share.
I am forever amazed by the magic that hatches from an egg as small as a garden pea. I am intrigued by great flocks of birds that change direction as if commanded by a voice only they can hear. And when I find an acorn, I look into the branches of the impressive oak, knowing I am holding a seed as small as the one that sprouted and pushed its way toward the clouds.
Before I share today’s special picture book, I’d like to tell you about the author, who, as luck would have it, is one of my valued critique partners and a dear friend. Julia Richardson holds a boundless love for nature and is currently hard at work saving Hayden Creek, which runs through the state of Michigan. A faraway village has proposed to dump their wastewater into this pristine trout stream, and Julia is taking time away from her writing to do everything possible to prevent this tragedy. In the past, I have followed each of my picture book reviews with an author interview the following Friday. Julia’s interview will be delayed for the best possible reason. To Julia, if anyone has the strength, belief, and fortitute to make positive changes for the environment, it is you.
Onward to today’s review of Julia’s debut picture book, Little Dandelion Seeds the World.
Title – Little Dandelion Seeds the World
(Available on March 15, 2021)
Written by – Julia Richardson
Illustrated by – Kristen & Kevin Howeshell
Published – Sleeping Bear Press, 2021
Suitable for ages – 6-10
Topics – Dandelions, seeds, dispersal
Opening –
Swish, swirl, one hundred seeds fly.
One little seed flies with the wind, far, far away.
Darting.
Drifting.
Dropping.
Down with a root.
Up wth a shoot.
A little dandelion blooms in Africa.
Amazon Review HERE – Did you know dandelions thrive on all seven continents? The cheery blooms are among the most resilient and adaptable in the world. In this lyrical book, learn how the crafty plant travels on the wind and hitches rides in all manner of ways in order to spread far and wide. Includes a map and backmatter on dandelions.
Why do I like this book? Through the use of such writer’s tools as assonance, alliteration, rhyme, and the repeated refrain (Down with a root. Up with a shoot), Julia Richardson adds musicality to her writing, making this book a pleasure to read aloud or cozy close and hear. Readers and listeners get the unexpected surprise of discovering page after page of places on Earth dandelion seeds can travel. Through colorful, textural illustrations, Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell bring to life such marvelous destinations as Australia, Africa, and Europe. Their artistic talents teamed with Julia’s lyrical text create a book both children and adults will adore.
Learn more about Julia Richardson HERE.
Learn more about Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell HERE.
- If you are interested in supporting Julia Richardson in her efforts to save Hayden Creek or you want to follow along on the progress, you can learn more at this special Facebook group. Save Hayden Creek.
I invite you to visit me next week for The Monday Poems.
Leslie
Wonderful post, Leslie! Julia Richardson’s book is beautiful, and her efforts to save Hayden Creek are admirable.
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I was thrilled to hold Julia’s debut picture book. She worked so hard for this day. Sleeping Bear Press chose a wonderful pair of illustrators to accompany the lyrical text. And yes, Julia’s efforts to save Hayden Creek are quite admirable. Lucky the fish, birds, and other sweet critters that depend on that stream to have Julia on their side, fighting to preserve it.
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Thank you so much for sharing this, Leslie! I will definitely check out Julia’s book. Just the bit of text you shared makes it a winner to me already.
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Thank you, Rose, that’s so sweet of you to say. 🙂
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This sounds like such a lovely, and interesting, book! That cover illustration with it’s interesting palette choice is magical! I hope Julia’s efforts to save the creek are successful. I’ll bet she has the book, We Are Water Protectors on her bookshelf for inspiration!
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I also thought the cover was magical. That beautiful spring green color has long been a personal favorite. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Julia’s success in saving the creek which will help nature in so many ways. 🙂
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I never thought of how far a dandelion seed could travel. What a great story. Must look out for it. Hope Julia is successful in saving the creek.
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In reading Julia’s book, I was also surprised to learn about these long-distance travelers. It seems they can travel and plant themselves just about anywhere they please. How nice! 🙂 I’m sure Julia appreciates your wishes for success in saving the creek.
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This sounds wonderful! I love dandelions – they are such important pollen sources for early bees. Plus they add color to the world!
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I must admit that I, too, love dandelions. I love, love, love to add their leaves to my salads. Additionally, this book about dandelions surprised me when I learned of all the places on earth where their seeds travel.
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Delightful post & its always a blessing to have a faithful friend like you, who supports her friends by going the extra mile 👍👏
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You’re so kind to say so, Sid. Yes, I’m supporting this beautiful picture book, but it’s the author, Julia Richardson, who’s truly going the extra mile to save the creek in her home state.
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