Rich color and exquisite detail, though not overdone, illustrate a deeply meaningful lesson in kindness. Creatures young readers recognize - birds, rabbits, mice - portray human traits, planting seeds with hopes for a delicious harvest. This gardening metaphor cleverly illustrates how reaping and sowing have everything to do with each other. Sparse but carefully-worded text takes a back seat to Kadir Nelson's stunning illustrations that evoke emotion through age-appropriate, provocative perspectives. Readers sense the terrible disappointment selfishness can grow, and see the redeeming joy kindness can reap. This is a treasure to cherish. While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness.

Kadir Nelson, acclaimed author of Baby Bear and winner of the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards, presents a resonant, gently humorous story about the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity.

With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, If You Plant a Seed demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.