The Sunflower

Joan Weller is Head Librarian at the West Branch of the Ottawa Public
Library.

This picture book for children aged 3 to 7 is written with simple charm.
The story, narrated by a little girl, recounts her planting a sunflower
seed and tending it until it grows into a tall sunflower. While she
waters it and watches it grow, backyard birds, bees, and animals play
beside her and on the sunflower.

The simple text has a lyrical quality that suits it to being read
aloud: “The snow made a blanket and covered the seeds . . . and / the
sunflower nodded and went to sleep. / When the winter passed I waited
for the spring sunshine. / But the little seeds had waited too.” The
text is accompanied with large, colorful, appealing illustrations.

Young gardeners will enjoy this book about tending a garden, and seeing
the cycle of life come full circle as the seasons change. Elementary
teachers will find this not only pleasurable to read but useful for
nature study.