Children's Science Book Database

The Tiny Seed

This book fosters the development of processes including predicting, classifying, and making inferences. For example, the illustrations paint a good picture of what obstacles the seeds must face, e.g. burned by the sun, drowning in the ocean, being eaten by a bird, etc., this could even be used to make predictions. What is the order of the life cycle of a flower? (germination, roots, little stems/leaves, bud, flower, release of seeds) Also, children could infer how the tiny seed is feeling throughout the journey. (sad, lonely, behind, left out, impatient, etc.)The Tiny Seed
  • Author: Eric Carle
  • Illustrator: Eric Carle
  • Year Published: 1970
  • ISBN: 978-0-88708-015-9

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

This is a charming book about the life cycle of a flower through the adventure of a particular tiny seed. The story begins with the wind sweeping up seeds start an exciting journey through the different seasons. It focuses on the dispersal of seeds and the many obstacles they face before becoming a beautiful flower. Eric Carle uses a simple style with colorful illustrations to bring the story to life.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: High
  • Authority: High
  • Accuracy: High
  • Liteary Artistry: High
  • Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters the development of processes including predicting, classifying, and making inferences. For example, the illustrations paint a good picture of what obstacles the seeds must face, e.g. burned by the sun, drowning in the ocean, being eaten by a bird, etc., this could even be used to make predictions. What is the order of the life cycle of a flower? (germination, roots, little stems/leaves, bud, flower, release of seeds) Also, children could infer how the tiny seed is feeling throughout the journey. (sad, lonely, behind, left out, impatient, etc.)

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, this book provides many opportunities for children to form questions and answers. As the seeds travel in the wind and face different obstacles, the reader has time to think through a number of situations. They can form questions regarding the setting and needs of a plant. They can use the beautiful illustrations as a guide to answer their questions and deepen their understanding of the life cycle of a flower. For example, if they asked, "Where is the wind taking the seeds" they would later discover that they're going to a place to settle down and begin growing into a plant.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, this book encourages children to think for themselves. The very first page about the tiny seed even asks, "Will it be able to keep up with the others? And where are they all going?" which gets children curious and ideas flowing. Eric Carle uses dramatic text that evolves over time by each turn of the page. Also, the book doesn't explicitly say that it's about the life cycle of a flower, children must continue to read in order to discover the meaning behind the tiny seed's journey and a plant's needs. Also, this book incorporates a deeper meaning by the tiny seed feeling behind while having steadfast perseverance. This message encourages children to form real-life connections and think about possible solutions.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, content is appropriate to the lesson.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The content of the book is based on sound scientific principles. It shows how seeds travel and face many obstacles in nature before settling down. Next, it highlights the conditions of different seasons and plant needs (soil, water, sunlight, air) for growth over time. Finally, the books makes it's way through the life cycle of a flower from a seed traveling, germinating, rooting, sprouting stems/leaves, flowering, pollinating, and releasing seeds. A scientific inaccuracy is made on the page about the tiny seed growing into a giant flower saying, "It grows taller and taller. It is taller than the people. It is taller than the trees. It is taller than the houses." I understand Eric Carle is trying to portray that the tiny seed has finally made it and defeated the odds to a young reader, but the illustration of two-inch people standing next to a giant flower is misleading and inaccurate of the true growth of a plant.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not explicitly distinguish between fact and fiction. The only fictional aspects of the story is that Eric Carle uses personification to describe what is happening to the seeds (e.g. burning, drowning, flying) which I feel doesn't take away from the factual content. I personally think this brings the story come to life, making it more relatable to young readers.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The story is clearly and accurately portrayed by visually showing the reader what the text says on each page, which is both helpful and intriguing. The illustrations are striking and bursting with color. A collage of tissue paper and acrylic paints are used to create the images. Eric Carle adds whimsy by incorporating unique colors and shapes that only add to the book's effect. Some of the images are out of scale, but for the most part I don't feel like it makes away from the accuracy.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, this book is appropriate for students in grades K-3. It is a bit longer in length, but uses common vocabulary that children can easily understand. Also, the illustrations are very helpful in that they paint a good picture of what's occurring on each page. This is a good tool to use to introduce young children to the life cycle of a flower without being overwhelming in detail.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Yes, this book does include a multicultural component. Although the text never mentions it, there are a few pages with illustrations that represent diversity. This includes non-stereotypical images of people with different skin colors interacting with the plants.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book does a good job of staying away from gender bias. There's only one page in which characters in the story are identified as having genders. This page includes an image of a male on one knee giving a flower to a female. The quote used to explain this situation is, "A boy has picked the flower to give to a friend." Although the word "friend" is used, the illustration clearly paints a picture of a young girl with long red hair pulled back by a headband.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

There is not a close association between science and other disciplines in this book.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

This books presents a positive and exciting attitude towards science. Young readers will be become cheerleaders for the tiny seed as it travels through the life cycle journey and overcomes hazards by remaining steadfast. This delightful picture book is the perfect example that learning science can be fun! Unfortunately, technology is never mentioned in the text.