The Seed And The Giant Saguaro
Book Review:
The Seed and the Giant Saguaro is a fun read-aloud picture book
about the desert and creatures that contribute to the planting, growth,
and life of the saguaro cactus. This book shows how a packrat, rattlesnake,
roadrunner, coyote and the rain, all contribute to the life cycle of
the great saguaro cactus. The seed filled fruit of the saguaro is carried
by the packrat "with a great deal of worry" who is chased
by a snake that "slid with no sound" who is followed by a
roadrunner that "raced on the ground" and so it goes.
This book's playfully repeating rhyme is written with a Southwestern
twist to the well-known poem "The House That Jack Built."
This allows students to predict the next line and participate in the
story. Included in the back is a timeline of fun facts about the saguaro
cactus and the animals mentioned in the book.
The illustrator's double page spreads are done in rich golds, greens,
and purples that cleverly illustrate the desert vegetation. This collaborative
effort by author Jennifer Ward and illustrator Mike K. Ranger is a nominee
for the 2005 Mountains and Plains Book Award, children's picture book
category and was a 2003 Tucson Pima Library System pick for Southwest
Book of the Year. This fun read aloud is great for Southwest units and
for kids of all ages!
Link to an interview with author Jennifer Ward.
About the Book |
Book Review | Children's Voices | Lesson
Plan | About the Reviewer