Three Lost Seeds: Stories of Becoming

PreS-Gr 3–This book captures the stories of three seeds (a cherry seed, an acacia seed, and a lotus seed) that start out lost and end up right where they are supposed to be. They survive floods, fires, earthquakes, and even the passing of 100 years in order to eventually thrive, blossom, and grow. When given what they need to survive, namely water and sunlight, and the right climate, these seeds display their unique magic and remind readers that everyone is capable of growing if given the right opportunity. Morton’s lyrical, rhyming verses pair perfectly with Wong’s beautiful illustrations, made using collage, egg tempura, oils, watercolor, ink, and a mix of other media. Readers are transported across the world from a forest of cherry trees, to an Australian bush land full of acacias, all the way to a pond in Asia sprouting up locusts on stunning and realistic spreads. The forces of nature here are a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by the many displaced children of the world. This book is a wonderful reminder that “like seeds, children thrive when given the chance.”