If You Hold a Seed

I was trying to find a book that would be good for my sons teachers to sign over the years and give to him at his graduation. Most people use “Oh the Places you will go”, but I wanted to pick something different. This book is so sweet and you see the life of the boy line up with the life of the tree. I could see my son reading this to his future children some day.

I read this with two boys; they loved the end picture of the boy in the tree with the original boy, now a man. They picture themselves like that one day I think! A good cycle of life to look at and visualise, interesting and lovely drawings and nice animals crop up on each page. Snails, tortoises, etc. I love Elly MacKay's lightbox theatre pictures as they almost glow on the page, bringing real life to each picture. And her illustrations are charming. Funnily enough, the book will be a little like the seed, in that I think the boys will keep the book to read to their own children one day.. At least, that's the intention. I wish we could get more of her work in the UK.

This book is a simple, sweet story. A perfect one to read to your little one.What sets this book apart is Elly MacKay's artwork. Her exquisitely crafted illustrations, which she expertly lights and photographs in her mini "theater" transport the reader (and the young audience member) to another world; a world of dream and fantasy. Her illustrations are rather like a dream in which the true essence of a thing is shown but you may just have to squint your eyes to see it. Ships, and balloons, and castles in the distance add a dramatic backdrop to the scene and at the same time are vital to the moment depicted. One can lose oneself in her world of color and texture.Ms. MacKay may well be this generation's Virginia Lee Burton, Maurice Sendak, or Ezra Jack Keats!Buy this book. It is magical.

I bought thisbook for my 2 and 3 year old granddaughters. Although I have not seen this book, I am told that the 3 year old sleeps with this book, and although she has many books, it is the first book she grabs to read. She will be takingit to day care this week to share since this is a week about planting/growing/reaping. My daughter, a 3rd grade teacher, says this book is a gem.

When I got to the end, I had a tear in my eye from the wonderful ending.

I bought this for a student who was graduating high school & had all of his friends & teachers sign it. It's a great story and came in great condition.

a great story about a seed, watching it grow into a plant, and become a tree. A great way to teach children how things grow and the care needed to help them grow. It teaches a respect for growing things. It helps children see them as living things.

The pictures in this book are amazing. I love Ellly MacKay's work. The stories are simple but they compliment the pictures so well. Definitely consider one. You won't be disappointed.

Lovely book with a simple story. The artist/author sells via Etsy (US seller) if you are interested in purchasing her prints.

Great book.

Author/Illustrator Elly MacKay has created a beautiful book which combines her unique images with a heart-warming, inspiring story. A highly recommended book that you'll read again and again to the young ones in your life.

Nice illustrations.

Lovely book, great message!