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Sunflower Seeds
CCBC Review:
After reading a book about growing sunflowers, kindergarten teacher Ms. B gives each student three seeds. Recalling the poem they had read, the three seeds allowed for “one for the birds, one for the rain, and one to grow.” After classmate Ollie peels and pops a seed into his mouth, Ms. B smiles and provides one more to everyone. The miraculous growing cycle of sunflowers is recounted through the eyes of a young narrator, from the tiny sprouts in a paper cut to the strong stalk transplanted in his backyard. Matter of fact observations about plant growth are intertwined with kernels of kid wisdom. Following an episode of a nibbling backyard deer, that narrator reflects, “I thought about the poem and changed it again. One for the deer, one for the rain, and one to grow.” Rich oil paintings on brown paper illuminate the inquisitive faces of young gardeners and bring botanical drama to the developing sunflowers. Occasional circular compositions add variation to the visual layout, and magnify details, like the delicate dance of a honeybee pollinating the tiny interior flowers of the sunflower head. Elegant writing and child-centric elements bring depth and beauty to a common rite of classroom gardening. Highly Commended, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Ellen Heck
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Gardens and Gardening
Plants and Trees
Teachers/Mentors
Diversity subject:
Multicultural General
On CCBC Booklist:
Charlotte Zolotow Award (for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books)
Publisher:
Levine Querido
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9781646146239
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Heck