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The Trellis and the Seed: A Book of Encouragement for All Ages
The little seed spent the winter in a jelly glass on the top shelf of a chinacupboard. It was only a seed and very, very small. How could it ever be a vine with sweet-smelling blossoms? When spring came, the Nice Lady made a hole for the seed and planted it in her garden at the base of a trellis. It felt soft in the hole, but also cold and dark. Don't worry, said the Earth. God has planned something beautiful for you. The little seed did not believe it. But as time passed, and the sun shone, and the rain fell, the little seed began to feel something unexpected. . . .
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Jan Karon
132 books2,872 followersBorn Janice Meredith Wilson in 1937, Jan Karon was raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina. Karon knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a writer. She penned her first novel when she was 10 years old, the same year she won a short-story contest organized by the local high school. Karon married as a teenager and had a daughter, Candace.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
At 18, Karon began working as a receptionist for a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. She advanced in the company after leaving samples of her writing on the desk of her boss, who eventually noticed her talent. Karon went on to have a highly successful career in the field, winning awards for ad agencies from Charlotte to San Francisco. In time, she became a creative vice president at the high-profile McKinney & Silver, in Raleigh. While there, she won the prestigious Stephen Kelly Award, with which the Magazine Publishers of America honor the year's best print campaign.
During her years in advertising, Karon kept alive her childhood ambition to be an author. At the age of 50, she left her career in advertising and moved to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to pursue that dream. After struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Karon awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious about him, and started writing. Soon, Karon was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result. "It certainly worked for Mr. Dickens", says Karon.
The Father Tim stories became Karon's first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been nominated three times (1996, 1997, and 1998) for an ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year Award), which honors titles that bookstore owners most enjoy recommending to customers, and the only book ever nominated for three consecutive years. The fourth Mitford novel, A New Song, won both the Christy and Gold Medallion awards for outstanding contemporary fiction in 2000. A Common Life, In This Mountain, and Shepherds Abiding have also won Gold Medallion awards. Out to Canaan was the first Mitford novel to hit the New York Times bestseller list; subsequent novels have debuted on the New York Times list, often landing the #1 spot.
Karon has also published two Christmas-themed books based on the Mitford series, The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, as well as Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader. Other Mitford books include Patches of Godlight: Father Tim's Favorite Quotes, a compilation of wit and wisdom, and A Continual Feast: Words of Comfort and Celebration, Collected by Father Tim. In addition, Karon has written two children's books, Miss Fannie's Hat and Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny, and an illustrated book for all ages, The Trellis and the Seed.
Karon says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family they can call their own. Though Light From Heaven is officially the final novel in the series, there's yet another Mitford book in this prolific author. Karon urges her millions of ardent fans to look for the Mitford Bedside Companion, releasing in the Fall of 2006. "It has everything in it but the kitchen sink", says Karon.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 12, 2015
This is a very good little book, encouraging everyone to look, and patiently wait, for the beauty that is inside.
December 21, 2022
The story of a nice lady and the little seed. It never gets boring. Put the seed in the soil, add water and wait for the sun. As a gardener myself, I live through the wonder of a seed dying and giving way for a plant that is just another wonder in itself.
December 29, 2014
This was a beautiful storybook by Jan Karon. It's listed as a regular fiction novel, but I think it should also be listed as a children's picture book. The paintings by Robert Gantt Steele were perfect to illustrate the gentle story of a seed's perspective of life from the moment it was given to the nice lady until it grew into a lovely flowering vine. I checked the book out of my local library and plan on keeping it for awhile so that I can read it to my granddaughters when they come for a visit.
April 25, 2013
In this book the Nice Lady plants a special seed and watches it grow. The reason I shelved it under mentoring is that teachers are like the nice lady. Students are like the seed. The part I liked about this book which makes it worth using when I mentor others is that the seed struggles to grow and then doesn't bloom like the other things in the garden. You find out why when you get to the end of the story. It is inspiring.
March 31, 2014
What ages would I recommend it too? Four and up.
Length? A short story.
Characters? A seed and a gardener.
Setting? Real world garden.
Written approximately? 1993.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? No.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: A children's story about the life of a seed to a vine and then to a flower.
Notes for the reader: I read the braille version, so I may have missed a few nuances.
Length? A short story.
Characters? A seed and a gardener.
Setting? Real world garden.
Written approximately? 1993.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? No.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: A children's story about the life of a seed to a vine and then to a flower.
Notes for the reader: I read the braille version, so I may have missed a few nuances.
February 25, 2016
This picture book is by the author of the Mitford series books. The subtitle alerts you to a very simple story with a somewhat trite message – “Don’t give up even when you don’t understand all life has in store for you,” and “It’s OK to be different from others around you.” I enjoyed the soft and beautiful watercolor illustrations (by artist Robert Gantt Steele) on each page lots more than the words.
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November 13, 2018We were surprised by our toddler's reaction. We didn't think she'd have the patience for the story (more words than your average book for 2 to 4 year old), but s/he did. It is a soothing, warm story that we liked reading as much as s/he did.
April 13, 2008
This illustrated book is one of my favorites. It's super quick, a couple minute read, and it really is a great little story for all ages. The gentle, glowing watercolor paintings are worth lingering over.
Also, reminded me I really want to plant some moonflowers this year!
Also, reminded me I really want to plant some moonflowers this year!
May 6, 2021
this is a wonderful book that teaches about self worth and how you are unique. this book has wonderful pictures that tell of a little seed and how it grows. this book also has wonderful descriptions of what is going on.
September 4, 2014
I really liked this so much. I enjoyed the first several in Jan Karon's first series of books - and this made me remember what she and her writing are like. Gentle, but profound. Beautiful and meaningful. I kind of almost got goosebumps at the end in fact. Lovely illustrations.
August 23, 2008
Lovely children's book with a nice moral. Maybe a little didactic. How do you spall that word? I consider it one of the "value books".
October 14, 2008
Another great book by Jan Karon. Lovely illustrations and a positive message about patience and trying to accomplish a goal.
June 4, 2011
I liked the book. It was encouraging people even when they're young that they will spread out and be important.
December 29, 2017
This is a book of encouragement for those of all ages. I believe it is meant for children but all of you would benefit from reading it and it takes so little time.
August 10, 2013
This was a touching story of a seed that blooms into a beautiful flower. It grows and grows and finally becomes something beautiful.
April 21, 2015
A very nice simple story about a plant growing up a trellis. It takes about the vine not being as big or as tall as the others...but "God has another plan for you" Nice story, very simple!
January 21, 2016
Not sure how encouraging this was (as per the subtitle) but it was a nice little story with beautiful illustrations.
May 21, 2021
What a beautiful metaphor for life and personal growth! We all grow at different times, in different stages. Sometimes we just have to trust our Maker and be patient.
April 30, 2023
If you crave "a book of encouragement for all ages," you might love this one.
I'll give it FIVE STARS to encourage all of you who are urgently in need of hope.
NOW, FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW, I'LL SPEAK TO READERS WHO ARE MORE LIKE ME
In general, I'm not a big fan of ascribing human emotions and wishes to inanimate objects. But I was quickly prepared for that. After all, the one human in this tale is named "Nice Lady."
If you read enough picture books, you may realize it isn't a good sign for reality-type storytelling when the author doesn't bother giving names to the main human character(s). Often the caring and concern that human beings deserve is given instead to one or more inanimate objects, as though their feelings and thoughts were the most important ones of all.
KEEPING THAT IN MIND, HERE'S A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF EXTREME OVER-WRITING
Something "happened at the top of the little seed." The little seed being the hero, right?
What happened, exactly, was this: The rain fell. The sun shone. And the days grew warm.
To little seed, It felt like a kiss
Now look! Think of your life experiences thus far, Goodreader. You're a human, with a real name, incidentally, not just a generic label like "Nice Lady" or "sentient life form." Please excuse my not mentioning you by name. Now, about you:
You've had kisses by now, haven't you? How many of them felt like:
* Being sprinkled with rain.
* There's the faraway presence of somebody round and warm and shiny and yellow.
* And then -- wow! -- you notice a pattern of increasing temperatures, day by day.
That must be some kiss, right? I've never had a single one like that. Frankly, I wouldn't know what to do with that, either. Would you?
For sure, this is the most sentimental tale I've ever read about growing a plant.
And I love my garden, talk to my plants, water them when needed. But I never feel the need to douse them with sugar.
Reader, beware.
I'll give it FIVE STARS to encourage all of you who are urgently in need of hope.
NOW, FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW, I'LL SPEAK TO READERS WHO ARE MORE LIKE ME
In general, I'm not a big fan of ascribing human emotions and wishes to inanimate objects. But I was quickly prepared for that. After all, the one human in this tale is named "Nice Lady."
If you read enough picture books, you may realize it isn't a good sign for reality-type storytelling when the author doesn't bother giving names to the main human character(s). Often the caring and concern that human beings deserve is given instead to one or more inanimate objects, as though their feelings and thoughts were the most important ones of all.
KEEPING THAT IN MIND, HERE'S A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF EXTREME OVER-WRITING
Something "happened at the top of the little seed." The little seed being the hero, right?
What happened, exactly, was this: The rain fell. The sun shone. And the days grew warm.
To little seed, It felt like a kiss
Now look! Think of your life experiences thus far, Goodreader. You're a human, with a real name, incidentally, not just a generic label like "Nice Lady" or "sentient life form." Please excuse my not mentioning you by name. Now, about you:
You've had kisses by now, haven't you? How many of them felt like:
* Being sprinkled with rain.
* There's the faraway presence of somebody round and warm and shiny and yellow.
* And then -- wow! -- you notice a pattern of increasing temperatures, day by day.
That must be some kiss, right? I've never had a single one like that. Frankly, I wouldn't know what to do with that, either. Would you?
For sure, this is the most sentimental tale I've ever read about growing a plant.
And I love my garden, talk to my plants, water them when needed. But I never feel the need to douse them with sugar.
Reader, beware.
May 14, 2022
Such a beautiful little book of encouragement. I was actually browsing my library when I saw it and read it in a few minutes. It really touched me because of something that happened to me a couple of years ago that at times still leaves me an emotional wreck, so at times like that I just go for a walk or go browse my library where it's quiet and I can get myself together. When I saw this book it was facing full cover showing on the shelf, I immediately loved the illustration on the cover and when I read it I just sat there for a second and shook my head, and yes a few tears escaped. Funny how these things just come to you when you need them most.
March 28, 2025
A tiny seed was gifted to a gardener on a promise of beauty.
The seed didn't believe it could be anymore than a small seed.
Once it is planted something extraordinary happened.
The seed began to grow.
It still didn't believe it could be more than a small sprout.
In time the sprout grew into lovely long vines.
Yet, the vines didn't believe they could bloom beautiful flowers.
Could you guess what happened next?
Truly incredible how the passage of time and patience could bring forth the most wondrous things, as well as, the belief of brighter tomorrows.
The seed didn't believe it could be anymore than a small seed.
Once it is planted something extraordinary happened.
The seed began to grow.
It still didn't believe it could be more than a small sprout.
In time the sprout grew into lovely long vines.
Yet, the vines didn't believe they could bloom beautiful flowers.
Could you guess what happened next?
Truly incredible how the passage of time and patience could bring forth the most wondrous things, as well as, the belief of brighter tomorrows.
April 1, 2022
The Trellis and the Seed is called a book of encouragement for all ages. It is a short little parable about the worth of an individual as told by jan Karon of the Mitford series of books. The paintings in the book are by Robert Gantt Steele. Of all the Karon books I have read, this is my least favorite, but it is a good little lesson, and I can see it being a gift to someone who is uncertain of his/her value.
February 7, 2023
I think that once again, Jan Karon has hit the nail on the head.
This book can be for everyone, adults and children; "A Book of Encouragement for All Ages".
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, but what isn't beautiful about a summer garden?
The Nice Lady was a main character, but so was the seed.
Enjoy the story, and take your time with it.
This book can be for everyone, adults and children; "A Book of Encouragement for All Ages".
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, but what isn't beautiful about a summer garden?
The Nice Lady was a main character, but so was the seed.
Enjoy the story, and take your time with it.
March 23, 2023
This was a very disappointing read. I checked out the audiobook from my library and was greatly surprised that it turned out to be a short story... a very short story. Like something you would expect to find in a magazine. It was a good story with a good moral, but I was expecting a novel of at least 300 pages.
April 15, 2026
This book depicts the journey of a moonflower seed as it grows, clumbs a trellis, and eventually blooms in the moonlight. The narrative is encouraging, explaining that things take time and we all grow and bloom at our own pace. There is a religious overtone to the story, but it is not overwhelming. The illustrations are watercolor paintings that complement the story nicely.
January 25, 2019
An inspirational book for all ages as well as for children. How a seed realizes the potential in it has in life given the right care. Beautiful watercolor illustrations to set with and look at again and again.
April 24, 2021
Gift from Ann Hinderer. Delightful, encouraging hopeful picture book: a tiny, insignificant, different seed being set aside for the right time, then nurtured for its own needs, planted, cared for and awaited for on its own timeline -the night blooming Moonflower.
December 15, 2023
This looked like a children's book in the adult fiction section. I think it is...but there's a few million-dollar words in there, so maybe that's why it didn't make it in the kid's section?
Inspirational, references God a couple times, has nice illustrations.
Inspirational, references God a couple times, has nice illustrations.
March 14, 2024
Truly enjoyed this Jan Karon book. The paintings by Robert Gantt Steele were beautiful. A very wonderful read, very insightful and full of encouragement.
This is a must read for all Jan Karon fans.
This is a must read for all Jan Karon fans.
June 6, 2017
Lovely.
Spiritual.
Uplifting.
A great read for all ages.
Wonderful for homeschool read aloud.
Spiritual.
Uplifting.
A great read for all ages.
Wonderful for homeschool read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews