If You Plant a Seed, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The latest from the amazingly talented Nelson works beautifully as a cautionary fable about selfishness, with various animals fighting over but then learning to share a garden. The narrator addresses the young reader in concise, direct manner, using the "you" pronoun effectively. Nelson's wondrous, brilliant oil paintings fill the page as we see a rabbit and mouse plant a tomato seed, a carrot seed, and a cabbage seed. The next humorous spread shows four scenes of the animals patiently waiting for the seeds to grow (I love the bunny reading the upside down gardening book, and the mouse happily catching the rainfall in its mouth). Soon the plants grow and the pair munch on their lunch, but the meal comes to a stand still when a bunch of birds stop by, hoping to join in the festivities. Two wordless spreads follow, accentuating the silent showdown (what a great POV shot of the birds staring directly at the reader). Then all chaos breaks out as the furry friends battle the feathered pals. Nelson does a great job showing the selfishness growing and growing into a heap of trouble. Which animal will help make amends and bring peace? You will have to read it and find out! Another winner from Kadir Nelson, who truly is one of the greatest illustrators working today.
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