Things That Grow

by Libby Walden, Becca Stadtlander (Illustrator)

The world around us is always growing and changing! Step into this beautifully illustrated book where time has slowed down, and discover how a seed transforms into a mighty tree; how mountains and islands are formed; and what a puggle becomes when it grows up.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Plants, Picture Books, Nature, Animals

76 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2017

Reviews

[Melissa]

This is a lovely small book and the format, while initially surprising ( I had expected larger format/ read-aloud size) could work well. Unfortunately in addition to all the excellent simplified information and handsome illustrations, there are also some substantial errors, and that is hard to forgive. On page 18 readers are told "Each flower has both male and female reproductive organs." This is not true! Many plants do not have perfect flowers and instead have distinct male and female flowers on separate plants. Also on Page 51 we are told that "The similarity between man and chimpanzee is the perfect demonstration of evolution in action." But that perfect demonstration is never clearly explained, leaving readers to wrongly assume humans evolved from chimpanzees and that evolution is teleological...moving from "simpler, smaller life forms...developing into the larger and more complex beings that we recognize today." This is completely wrong. Nature does not reward complexity nor size. No living animal is 'evolved' from any other currently living animal. Finally I must agree with other reviewers that this book ends abruptly in a disconcerting, anti-climactic and inexplicable way.

[Barbara]

Originally published in Great Britain, this lovely book provides a good introduction to things that grow, as its title indicates. Relying on cleverly-written subtitles that expand readers' thinking--for example, "Air Fresheners," "A Little Help from My Friends," and "Have Seeds, Will Travel"--within each of the three sections, the book helps youngsters understand how flora and fauna grow, but also how the universe grows and changes. As someone who has always been intrigued by the process of mountain formation and the ever-changing paths and widths of rivers, I was delighted to find the last section in this book. The book jacket comments that the book slows down time, and for me, that was exactly what happened as I read it and thought about all the changes occurring around me, most of which I could never see. That thought certainly puts a lot of things into perspective, doesn't it? I also liked the sturdiness of the book and its size, just right for smaller hands or for slipping into a purse or backpack.

[Janet]

Unsure if I have ever given a one star rating to a book, but here is one. What is the cohesive subject of this title, I don’t really know. Several broad topics in the science field of plants, animals, and yes a few pages on geology fill this very small format title that has difficult to read typeface, the small size makes for it difficult to turn pages and keep the book flat to read.
Because I had read four previous picture book titles that Becca Stadtlander had illustrated that were very well done and loving plants I choose to interlibrary loan this title. Stadtlander’s illustrations were good, but the color tones used in printing don’t do them justice.
Just pass on this title and I don’t think children would choose from the shelf.

[Stephanie Bange]

Walden has written a browser-type book about "things that grow", dividing this book into three topics: Plants and Trees, The Animal Kingdom, and The Universe. Each two-page spread covers one big concept about the topic, moving onto another concept with the turn of the page.

Lacking much detail, this would be a great book to have in a classroom for students to browse. They do not need to read it cover to cover in one sitting as there is little depth on any one concept; even together, the topics receive very superficial treatment. Watercolor artwork is largely ornamental space fillers.

Optional purchase for grades 3-5.

[Grace]

Another beautifully illustrated book by Libby Walden that introduces children to the concept of growth. Separated into 3 sections; plants and trees, animals, and the universe, this shows how widely the topic of growth stretches. I would use this book as a starting point within science when starting t investigate the growth and development of plants or animals. the simplicity of the book gives the children a starting point but also acts as a foundation for them to build more information.
I'd share this book predominantly with key stage 1, and lower key stage 2.

[Solange Vidal]

Este libro explica, de manera simple y general, tres secciones: plantas, animales y el espacio. En un libro tan pequeño la información no es muy detallada pero ha sido útil para explicar a un niño de tres años sobre cómo crecen los árboles y otras plantas o cómo algunos animales vienen de huevos y otros crecen dentro del vientre.

[Kaila]

beautifully illustrated book with great info!

[Kim]

Beautifully illustrated non-fiction resource divided into three sections: plants and trees, animals, and the universe.

[Debbie]

I believe that this was too big a topic for this little book.

[ErinTheLibrarian]

Fascinating little book with tons of detailed info but it ends suddenly. Illustrations, not photos. Has a bit on evolution and the big bang. Has Plants and Trees, the Animal Kingdom, The Universe

[Leigh Ann]

The book covers animal and plant life cycles. It is full of detail and small pictures. This book would be great for elementary age children, but too complex for the younger ones.

[KC]

Simple and sweetly illustrated book on how things grow. Some scientific errors.

[MaryLibrarianOH]

Small trim size. I think it would be a good gift book for kids who like nature/animals. Lots of facts are shared - not enough really for a report. No photos are included but the illustrations do a good job of portraying what is described.

[Jordan]

This is not for an early reader. I didnt understand a lot of what the book was talking about but I did enjoy learning new things. This one shows you things about our mother earth and I hope to learn more soon.

[Jessica Nicholson]

I really enjoyed this book! I read it to my younger girls and they really enjoyed it as well. It has great descriptions of the many things that grow in life. The illustrations are so beautiful as well.

[Brianna Stahly-Hale]

This book go through the plant cycle with children and has vivid imagery to go along with it. The cover of the book seems interesting which would appeal to young children, and this would be a good book to use when discussing the plant cycle. It is illustrated by Becca Stadflander, and seems to be watercolor illustrations. I think this book is appropriate for all K-5 students.