Seeds and More Seeds

Seeds and More Seeds
Millicent E. Selsam ~ Tomi Ungerer ~ Harper & Row, 1959

I am so, so, so in love with the "An I Can Read Science Book" series, and here is the third one I've reviewed by Ms. Millicent, awesomely illustrated by Mr. Ungerer. It is very similar in theme to the other two in that there is a child who is curious and looks and asks for answers. I just LOVE this! Meet Benny (yes, another Benny) who wonders, quite simply, will a stone grow?

"Plant them and see," said his father. "Plant them in these pots. If a stone can grow, if a pebble can grow, you will know."

So he does and it doesn't, yet he learns that seeds are everywhere and so he begins to plant and plant and plant until finally ...

He waited until the green thing was as big as he thought it would get to be. Then he picked it off the plant. He split it open. Those bumps were beans! "These are bean seeds," cried Benny. "I made my own seeds! I made my own seeds! Now I have more to plant!"

So totally thrilling. I see these moments in my son, that flash of discovery that is so exciting, that rush of learning on your own... figuring it out. In the era of Google and instant information, we as parents should nurture curiosity in everything we do with our kids. Most definitely.

Plan on more of these science ditties in the future... I really can't get enough! Might be doing a week of just Ungerer soon too since he is our new obsession. I just love it when the boy and I agree. After all, one can't live on Berenstain Bears alone.

Also by:
Benny's Animals
Plenty of Fish
The Hat
The Mellops Strike Oil
Crictor
How To Be A Nature Detective
Zarelda's Ogre
Orlando The Brave Vulture
The Three Robbers
Christmas Eve at the Mellops'
I Am Papa Snap and These Are My Favorite No Such Stories
The Beast of Monsieur Racine
Allumette
Emile
Book of Various Owls
Rufus
Adelaide