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A young child experiences the work,
waiting, and reward of growing an avocado tree from seed.
In fewer than 150 words, Dunklee traces the path from seed to tree. When an
avocado seed pops free during dinner prep, a smiling child retrieves it, pokes
it with toothpicks for supports, and sets it atop a glass of water in hopes
that it will sprout. The child and a pet cat work side by side to nurture the
new plant. Each double-page spread captures one step in the journey that
includes both the practical (potting, watering, ensuring sunlight, and
replanting outside) and the whimsical (an encouraging song, lucky coins, and “supportive
friends”). Counting to three creates the gentle rhythm of the story. Actions
are often completed in three steps and described in three words: “One pot. Two
careful hands. Three scoops of soil. Pat,
pat, pat.” Similarly, three words, sometimes repeated, emphasize key
emotions, as “I…GIVE…UP!” gives way to “HOORAY!
HOORAY! HOORAY!” Simple illustrations, primarily in
soft shades of blue, yellow, and avocado, show steps that readers could
duplicate at home. The cat’s attention (or inattention) adds humor; its
glowering inclusion with a stuffed bunny and toy robot as one of the
“supportive friends” is particularly funny. The child and their parent present
white.
This quiet book effectively describes
the meditative, sometimes-frustrating process that growing a plant
entails. (Picture book. 4-8)
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