The Life of Rice: From Seedling to Supper

Sobol's Traveling Photographer series continues with this exploration of the cultivation of one of the planet's most critical foodstuffs. The author traveled to Thailand at the invitation of the king to attend a ceremony celebrating the opening of the rice-growing season. From there, Sobol moves to the Thai countryside, meeting and working with rice farmers, and explaining the harvesting process to readers. Sobol's prose is as clear as his photographs, and in tandem, they drive home the importance of this grain; additional information about rice and a glossary complete this focused and accessible account. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)