cover image Little Dandelion Seeds the World

Little Dandelion Seeds the World

Julia Richardson, illus. by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell. Sleeping Bear, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5341-1053-3

Employing the refrain “Swish, swirl, one hundred seeds fly... Down with a root./ Up with a shoot./ A little dandelion blooms in,” Richardson pens a simple, rhythmic debut, detailing the spread of dandelion seeds across the seven continents. After the dandelion flower turns into a head of white fluff, a colorful “POOF!” sets off the seeds’ travels: by air from Africa to Asia, by a seafarer’s pant leg from Australia to North America, by bird droppings from North America to South America, and beyond. Vivid, screenprint-esque digital illustrations by the Howdeshells trace the seeds’ paths, showcasing animals from each continent amid landscapes enlivened by terrain-distinct color palettes. Younger readers will enjoy this informative read, which shows how nature unites the globe. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 6–7. [em](Mar.) [/em]