It Starts With a Seed – Bookish Play

A is in love with this book by Laura Knowles. 

Beautifully written, the book takes you through the life cycle of a tree (the sycamore tree), following its transformation from a seedling all the way to a mature tree. 

The poem uses rich language and is paired with gorgeous illustrations, both highlighting the essential role the tree plays for the web of life that depends on it – an array of woodland creatures. The book ends with a beautiful fold out page showing a mature tree shedding its seeds to continue the cycle of life. 

I can’t recommend it enough. It’s definitely one for all seasons. 

I paired it with a simple art activity using Q-tips and a printout of a tree (without leaves). A dabbed the Q-tips in the paint and then press them on the paper to “make” the missing leaves.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

Bringing play to life:

• Have you intentionally observed trees with your little one(s)? You can try to spot their seeds and, why not, even plant a tree as a family!