You Are a Little Seed

Growing flowers symbolize children’s development in this South Korean import.
A young child holding on to a dandelion seed drifts along (“A seed, a seed blowing in the wind…”). The next page shows the kid wearing the same yellow dress but now older, firmly grasping a flower that “took root in the wild and bloomed as a dandelion.” The book continues similarly; each tot is compared to a different seed and eventually blooms in their unique way, much like their comparative blossom. Another youngster sits in a star-shaped pod, staring uncertainly (“A seed, a seed crouching down low…”). The next page shows the child, older and confidently smiling (“raised its head proudly and bloomed as a peony”). A forlorn little one described as “delicate to the touch” develops into a “balsam that never gave way to scorching sun or pouring rain.” Eventually readers are told that they, too, are seeds; Choi asks them what kind of bloom they will be. The lyrical text pairs well with the realistic portrayals of flowers and the charming cartoon depictions of the kids. Warm colors fill the pages, from autumnal browns to springlike pinks. The only questionable moment is when the author describes a seed as “ugly and wrinkled”; readers may raise an eyebrow at the idea of referring to a child as physically unattractive.
An encouraging tale of growth.

—Kirkus Reviews

First published in Korean, this translated picture book uses bright illustrations and simple, flowing language to convey the resilience and potential within every child. Some seeds are shy, others have thorns, but they develop into proud peonies and elegant island flowers; the seeds and plants are paired with illustrations of children growing up. Full-page, close-up illustrations display the varied colors and patterns of the flowers and plants, as well as the diverse personalities of the children who embody them.

—Foreword Reviews