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The Dandelion Seed: A Nature Story About Change and Courage
Follow the journey of a tiny dandelion seed who was afraid to let go. With a poignant, simple storytelling and gorgeous artwork, this best-selling picture book introduces plant life cycles while reminding us to let go and embrace change. One tiny dandelion seed wants to hold onto its dandelion home, until the winter wind carries it away. The seed worries it won't be able to find its place in such a vast and frightening world. But everything is much more beautiful than it ever thought, and perhaps finding a new home isn't such a bad thing after all. Great for parents or gift givers looking for
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
About the author
Joseph Anthony
4 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
I was raised in Denver, Colorado, the tenth of eleven children. My family spent a great deal of time in the mountains, where exploring with my brothers and sisters nurtured an innate love for adventure and an appreciation for the natural world. I also loved music, and before graduating from high school I found myself exploring the states as a trumpet player in a swing band. Soon after, I hitch-hiked to the vast frontier of Alaska.
After attending St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Annapolis, Maryland, I traveled to Finland to live on a farm and hitch-hike through Scandanavia. I continued to travel - through over 30 countries in the western hemisphere - as a musician in the U.S. Navy. I have since worked in a natural food store, as a corrections officer, a massage therapist, and a construction supervisor, experiences which have all served to deepen my self-understanding and perspective on the human condition.
The synthesis of my experiences came after marrying artist Cris Arbo, when I took up writing. Inspired by raising children, our first collaboration was 'The Dandelion Seed' in 1997; two years later 'In A Nutshell' was published. Cris' artwork blends fantasy and realism with intense detail, a combination that works perfectly with my text.
A sequel to 'The Dandelion Seed', entitled 'The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream' was published in 2014. It not only follows the seed's heroic journey but hints at humanity's growing awareness of our role as environmental stewards.
My young adult novel, 'Innerworld' (Bonneville Books, 2002), is about a girl whose desire to change the world sends her on an earth-shattering journey within.
My own journey took me to the limits of the universe, which I have detailed in a paper entitled "Our Multi-Tiered Universe", and which you can read about on my 'cosmology' page.
MORE
For a tiny bit more biographical information, Cris and I can be found in the library reference source, 'Something About The Author' vol.103, published by The Gale Research Group.
I was raised in Denver, Colorado, the tenth of eleven children. My family spent a great deal of time in the mountains, where exploring with my brothers and sisters nurtured an innate love for adventure and an appreciation for the natural world. I also loved music, and before graduating from high school I found myself exploring the states as a trumpet player in a swing band. Soon after, I hitch-hiked to the vast frontier of Alaska.
After attending St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Annapolis, Maryland, I traveled to Finland to live on a farm and hitch-hike through Scandanavia. I continued to travel - through over 30 countries in the western hemisphere - as a musician in the U.S. Navy. I have since worked in a natural food store, as a corrections officer, a massage therapist, and a construction supervisor, experiences which have all served to deepen my self-understanding and perspective on the human condition.
The synthesis of my experiences came after marrying artist Cris Arbo, when I took up writing. Inspired by raising children, our first collaboration was 'The Dandelion Seed' in 1997; two years later 'In A Nutshell' was published. Cris' artwork blends fantasy and realism with intense detail, a combination that works perfectly with my text.
A sequel to 'The Dandelion Seed', entitled 'The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream' was published in 2014. It not only follows the seed's heroic journey but hints at humanity's growing awareness of our role as environmental stewards.
My young adult novel, 'Innerworld' (Bonneville Books, 2002), is about a girl whose desire to change the world sends her on an earth-shattering journey within.
My own journey took me to the limits of the universe, which I have detailed in a paper entitled "Our Multi-Tiered Universe", and which you can read about on my 'cosmology' page.
MORE
For a tiny bit more biographical information, Cris and I can be found in the library reference source, 'Something About The Author' vol.103, published by The Gale Research Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 12, 2011
I read this book during an R.E session at UEL and thought it was so lovely I went out and ordered it from Waterstones that afternoon!
The book tells a story of a little dandelion seed who is very happy living on a dandelion with all his family, the wind begins to blow very hard and the seed becomes afraid of the world, he does not want to let go. However, eventually the winds blow him away and off he goes flying into the unknown, the world was bigger than he had ever imagined, and along his journey he sees many things, he discovers that the world can be scary and lonely but also amazing and beautiful.
Eventually the wind drops him back onto the ground and he grows up to become a beautiful big dandelion, he feeds the deer, gives nectar to the bee's and the butterflies, and finally grows seeds of his own. Soon all of his seeds have flown away too, except for one...one seed which won't let go because he is too afraid of the world. The dandelion whispered to the seed not to be afraid, that "the wind and the sun will take care of you. Let go and you will see."
Although the book states that it is aimed at 3-10 year olds I think that absolutely anyone will enjoy it. For younger children there are big beautiful illustrations to look at, and older children can be encouraged to answer questions on how it they think the dandelion seed is feeling at each point, what advice they would give the seed that doesn't want to let go and so on. It could also be used as a resource for learning about nature and plants in science lessons, although I feel personally I would not be using the book to its full potential in this way.
The story is a real statement about the cycle of life and I think children, especially those just starting school (either infants, juniors or secondary) will get a lot of comfort from it, in particular those who are a little shy or nervous.
N.B - When I read the book I was over-taken by a sudden rush of emotion from nowhere (okay, I'll admit, I cried like a baby!) I think it may have been the fact that I could relate it to what we are all doing while we are undertaking our PGCE, it is scary sometimes and can feel lonely, but it is also beautiful and amazing! we are like the dandelion ourselves, making others lives better and teaching, partly from our own experiences, our own dandelion seeds to let go!
The book tells a story of a little dandelion seed who is very happy living on a dandelion with all his family, the wind begins to blow very hard and the seed becomes afraid of the world, he does not want to let go. However, eventually the winds blow him away and off he goes flying into the unknown, the world was bigger than he had ever imagined, and along his journey he sees many things, he discovers that the world can be scary and lonely but also amazing and beautiful.
Eventually the wind drops him back onto the ground and he grows up to become a beautiful big dandelion, he feeds the deer, gives nectar to the bee's and the butterflies, and finally grows seeds of his own. Soon all of his seeds have flown away too, except for one...one seed which won't let go because he is too afraid of the world. The dandelion whispered to the seed not to be afraid, that "the wind and the sun will take care of you. Let go and you will see."
Although the book states that it is aimed at 3-10 year olds I think that absolutely anyone will enjoy it. For younger children there are big beautiful illustrations to look at, and older children can be encouraged to answer questions on how it they think the dandelion seed is feeling at each point, what advice they would give the seed that doesn't want to let go and so on. It could also be used as a resource for learning about nature and plants in science lessons, although I feel personally I would not be using the book to its full potential in this way.
The story is a real statement about the cycle of life and I think children, especially those just starting school (either infants, juniors or secondary) will get a lot of comfort from it, in particular those who are a little shy or nervous.
N.B - When I read the book I was over-taken by a sudden rush of emotion from nowhere (okay, I'll admit, I cried like a baby!) I think it may have been the fact that I could relate it to what we are all doing while we are undertaking our PGCE, it is scary sometimes and can feel lonely, but it is also beautiful and amazing! we are like the dandelion ourselves, making others lives better and teaching, partly from our own experiences, our own dandelion seeds to let go!
April 22, 2012
The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony and illustrated by Cris Arbo. The Dandelion seed is about a seed who is scared and does not want to let go and fly away as it is scared about what may happen. Eventually the seed lets go and then goes on a fantastic journey of growing into a beautiful flower and then the whole process starts again.
This is a great read for children in EYFS and KS1. It would be a great starting point in introducing the plant cycle to the children as it goes through the process of a seed in to a plant. The pictures also illustrate this process really well and it also explains how plants are useful and the role they play in the environment.
Furthermore it holds a moral element as well. The book shows that you should not be scared of starting new things that you have not done before. That you should not be worried about having new experiences as this is what life is about. Also you should be brave and be willing to try new things as you never know what you can discover. I think the book sends out a great message for children to think about and discuss in more detail.
This is a great read for children in EYFS and KS1. It would be a great starting point in introducing the plant cycle to the children as it goes through the process of a seed in to a plant. The pictures also illustrate this process really well and it also explains how plants are useful and the role they play in the environment.
Furthermore it holds a moral element as well. The book shows that you should not be scared of starting new things that you have not done before. That you should not be worried about having new experiences as this is what life is about. Also you should be brave and be willing to try new things as you never know what you can discover. I think the book sends out a great message for children to think about and discuss in more detail.
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January 15, 2013The dandelion seed is a great book to use for transition. Although it is aimed for younger children to read I think the moral of the story would be great to read to year 6 pupils who are progressing to secondary school.
This story tells a tale of a dandelion seed who does not want to let go of his mother flower, however a great gust of wind comes along and forces him to leave. He soon realises that the world is much greater than life on his dandelion and eventually lands on the ground where he starts to produce roots and turns into a flower himself. This story also relates to the cycle of reproduction as the story starts again with the new flower creating dandelion seeds who need to leave but once again there is one who does not want to. The dandelion flower tells the seed of his experience of the world and explains that it is fine to leave.
This story could be used in a PSHE lesson to cover children's worries of moving schools or other related issues.
This story tells a tale of a dandelion seed who does not want to let go of his mother flower, however a great gust of wind comes along and forces him to leave. He soon realises that the world is much greater than life on his dandelion and eventually lands on the ground where he starts to produce roots and turns into a flower himself. This story also relates to the cycle of reproduction as the story starts again with the new flower creating dandelion seeds who need to leave but once again there is one who does not want to. The dandelion flower tells the seed of his experience of the world and explains that it is fine to leave.
This story could be used in a PSHE lesson to cover children's worries of moving schools or other related issues.
October 9, 2011
A sweet story about a dandelion seed that gets blown around in the wind. The seed feels lonely and scared sometimes but also gets to see some beautiful things in the world. The seed lands in the snow and it doesn't look like he will survive, but come spring, he grows into a whole new plant. From this story, children can see how the world may be frightening and unpleasant sometimes but there are also happy and beautiful things out there. The illustrations are very detailed and could be used in science lessons looking at life cycles, journeys in geography or fears and changes in pshe.
December 5, 2023
Really liked this book!
April 20, 2026
It is abewt a dandelion seed it was great .
July 16, 2026
Great story time book! We made dandelion play doh for the activity!
January 27, 2013
This is a beautifully illustrated story of the life cycle of a Dandelion seed and how it journeys through life. The story portrays an important message of independence.This story would make a great resource for a wide range of subjects for example; R.E, science, art and literacy. Cross- curricular links can be made every time this book is read. I feel that children 5-10 would all benefit from being read/ reading this book.
July 2, 2019
A single dandelion seed travels through the world experiencing the sights and sounds it would have never even dreamed of until the wind sends it on a breathtaking journey. Change happens but we have to be able to let go, and grow, and share ourselves with others. Take in this breathtaking book full of vivid illustrations and poetic words and “don’t be afraid. The wind and the sun and the rain will take care of you. Let go and you will see.” “The world was bigger than the seed ever imagined.”
September 2, 2020
The problem is that dandelions go to seed in late spring -- not fall. (I just looked that up; turns out I'm wrong -- some also bloom in fall. I haven't met those.) You might think this a minor point, and you might be right. But the book's text and illustrations seem to be going for realism and even a fair dollop of scientific information, so it was jarring to me. Sure, our seed-main character is fantastic, but it's not like we really get to know it, or know why it doesn't want to leave the stem, so fantasy is not the main flavor here.
And so I get grumpy: what's so lonely about the city, huh? (And actually, dandelions do quite well there.) And why is the beach always trotted out when we need an example of beauty?
I'm obviously not the audience for books that try to uplift me with natural metaphors. There's really nothing uplifting about the life cycles of plants and animals: FASCINATING, yes, and awesome, but full of death and destruction. (Not that I'm suggesting you put that in a picture book.) And look! Our little seed didn't even get to decide to fly off. It's some kid who makes that call for it.
And so I get grumpy: what's so lonely about the city, huh? (And actually, dandelions do quite well there.) And why is the beach always trotted out when we need an example of beauty?
I'm obviously not the audience for books that try to uplift me with natural metaphors. There's really nothing uplifting about the life cycles of plants and animals: FASCINATING, yes, and awesome, but full of death and destruction. (Not that I'm suggesting you put that in a picture book.) And look! Our little seed didn't even get to decide to fly off. It's some kid who makes that call for it.
August 18, 2021
Picture book. In the vein of The Tiny Seed this book shows a dandelion seed traveling far until it ultimately settles down for the winter in a snowy area. As spring comes, the dandelion blooms in a wooded area, where "it shared its green leaves with deer and rabbits. It gave sweet nectar to bees and butterflies." Most of the dandelion seeds got carried away in the wind, but the last seed needed a bit of encouragement. Simple story with an appropriate amount of text to use with toddlers or preschoolers. The pictures are beautiful, vibrant full-page illustrations. This could be used when talking about plants or bees. It could also be used with a slightly older audience at the beginning of a new phase-- why might they be reluctant to leave what they have known?
August 29, 2021
The team of Joseph Anthony and Cris Arbo have created a beautiful picture book taking readers through the cycle of plant to seed and back to plant. Simple text, full of wonderful examples of figurative language are enhanced by incredible illustrations by Arbo done in pen and ink, colored pencil, and acrylic on illustration board. I have thumbed through this book innumerable times now, just admiring the vivid and lifelike details and know that children and adults will enjoy reading and talking about the journey of the dandelion seed as it ultimately creates a new plant. Thanks for the finished copy of this must have book for libraries serving young children.
Note: Teachers’ guide available through Sourcebooks Explore and Sourcebooks Kids.
Note: Teachers’ guide available through Sourcebooks Explore and Sourcebooks Kids.
July 28, 2017
The illustrations in this book are absolutely gorgeous! I read this book with my 6 month old, 4 year old, and 12 year old and they all enjoyed it for different reasons. My 12 year old really appreciates the artwork and the message of the story. My 4 year old enjoyed the simplicity of the text and watching the journey of the dandelion seed. This is definitely a book that we will visit again in the future!
September 4, 2021
This well-illustrated story of the life cycle of a dandelion presents numerous possibilities for learning. One could use the book as an introduction to the life cycle of plants, urban vs. rural settings, or the change of seasons for young children.
The detailed illustrations offer a serene look at the world and the message at the end is to not be afraid. A message many children need to hear.
Recommended.
The detailed illustrations offer a serene look at the world and the message at the end is to not be afraid. A message many children need to hear.
Recommended.
March 29, 2026
Is an inspiring read. It uses the journey of a tiny seed to symbolize growth and bravery in the face of uncertainty that all people feel while navigating the world. This can encourage critical thinking and resonate with its readers. Additionally, the vivid style and descriptive language enhance the reading experience, by helping children connect emotionally while also appreciating the wonders of the world.
October 25, 2024
A lovely picture book about the journey of a dandelion seed at the very end of the season. It's the last seed of the flower and doesn't want to let go until a wind carries it far away. The life cycle continues and the seed becomes a dandelion that nourishes insects and mammals and birds--and new seeds form which blow far and wide. A gentle book about the cycle of life.
March 12, 2026
Anytime that you put Joseph Anthony the author, together with Cris Arbo (his wife) , the illustrator, you have a book that you want to share with your children or grandchildren.
This is a story of growth and continuous change in the natural world and how life carries on in even such simple things as a dandelion flower. Nothing is to be taken for granted.
A lovely and upbeat story.
This is a story of growth and continuous change in the natural world and how life carries on in even such simple things as a dandelion flower. Nothing is to be taken for granted.
A lovely and upbeat story.
June 26, 2018
Good pictures.
February 8, 2019
I really like this. Beautiful illustrations, cycle of life and seasons. Enough text to make it an acceptable bedtime story. Reminds me of One Leaf Fell except with more text to read.
May 28, 2019
I can’t wait to read this at storytime.
February 16, 2021
Beautiful illustrations
July 11, 2021
Nice story and pictures
November 29, 2021
很喜欢，绘画精美 @2018-07-28 00:37:13
December 31, 2023
Some of the loveliest, most visually pleasing illustrations I have seen in any picture book. A wonderful book about life and the world around us all. A beautiful story.
February 14, 2026
Libby. Read and Illustrated. Fun read life of a dandelion.
January 9, 2014
This book was a lovely read with a good strong moral behind it.
The pictures in this book had a wonderful classical feel to it and were very detailed and eye catching.
The story consisted of the journey of a dandelion seed. It is the last seed left on the dandelion, it is frightened to leave and hangs on for as long as it can. Ultimately outside forces, (the wind, are too much for it and eventually the seed has to leave.
The seed is frightened of the world and feels very small. Eventually it finds somewhere to land to make its home, it grows roots and becomes a dandelion itself. It becomes part of nature providing nectar for other creatures and eventually producing seeds itself and starting the cycle all over again.
On the surface this it a lovely story of the life cycle of a dandelion but the moral is so much more touching. The journey of the seed reluctant to leave the safety of its home and start its own life can be mirrored in children growing up. It shows them that at first everything may seem overwhelming and scary but it is not as bad as they think it is. Eventually they will start their own life, have their own home and their own 'seedlings' or children who will feel exactly the same way that they did.
This is a very effective story about the emotional worries of growing up and making your own way in the world told effectively through the remarkable story of a dandelion seed.
The pictures in this book had a wonderful classical feel to it and were very detailed and eye catching.
The story consisted of the journey of a dandelion seed. It is the last seed left on the dandelion, it is frightened to leave and hangs on for as long as it can. Ultimately outside forces, (the wind, are too much for it and eventually the seed has to leave.
The seed is frightened of the world and feels very small. Eventually it finds somewhere to land to make its home, it grows roots and becomes a dandelion itself. It becomes part of nature providing nectar for other creatures and eventually producing seeds itself and starting the cycle all over again.
On the surface this it a lovely story of the life cycle of a dandelion but the moral is so much more touching. The journey of the seed reluctant to leave the safety of its home and start its own life can be mirrored in children growing up. It shows them that at first everything may seem overwhelming and scary but it is not as bad as they think it is. Eventually they will start their own life, have their own home and their own 'seedlings' or children who will feel exactly the same way that they did.
This is a very effective story about the emotional worries of growing up and making your own way in the world told effectively through the remarkable story of a dandelion seed.
May 1, 2013
The Dandelion Seed is a lovely story about growth. The story involves a dandelion seed who does not want to let go of his mother flower. One day however, a great gust of wind comes along and forces him to leave. On his journey in the wind, the dandelion seed soon realises that the world is a lovely place, and much greater than life on his dandelion. After much exploration, the dandelion seed eventually lands on the ground where he starts to produce roots and turns into a flower himself. The dandelion flower tells his seed of his experience of the world and explains that it is fine to leave
This story covers many concepts, from reproduction to growing up and letting go. This is done through beautiful illustrations and a nice storyline. As a result, such a story would appeal to very young children who are worried about changes in their lives. This story would also prove effective with children changing schools, and even the transition between year 6 and year 7.
August 28, 2010
I admit to loving dandelions. Yes, while some of my neighbors are manicuring their lawns and cursing their existence; I delight in picking them in bloom, digging up their roots, and blowing their seeds with child-like wonder. I find medicinal value in this native plant and do not want my children mistaking them for "weeds".
This book explains why. The illustrations beautifully convey their contribution to the cycle of life, and more importantly, draws connections between a plant's life cycle, to the human's life cycle. The correlations are relevant-- we are both on life's journey, growing and adapting to many changes in our environment. My favorite story line ends, "Let go and you will see".
This book explains why. The illustrations beautifully convey their contribution to the cycle of life, and more importantly, draws connections between a plant's life cycle, to the human's life cycle. The correlations are relevant-- we are both on life's journey, growing and adapting to many changes in our environment. My favorite story line ends, "Let go and you will see".
October 9, 2011
I read The Dandelion seed by Joseph Anthony the illustrations in this book are truly amazing.
This book is about a seed that is separated from the flower and blown away. The seed travels through some very unfamiliar places and feels a little unsure and lonely.
The seed finally ends up in the snow and come spring time it sprouts and realises that it is in a very lovely place. The seed itself pollinates and goes through the life cycle and the when its last seed is hanging on the last words are along the lines of 'you will be fine'.
The story shows that there is not always a path to follow and having different and unknown experiences is good. This book would be great to use in Science and PSHE lessons with year one and two children.
This book is about a seed that is separated from the flower and blown away. The seed travels through some very unfamiliar places and feels a little unsure and lonely.
The seed finally ends up in the snow and come spring time it sprouts and realises that it is in a very lovely place. The seed itself pollinates and goes through the life cycle and the when its last seed is hanging on the last words are along the lines of 'you will be fine'.
The story shows that there is not always a path to follow and having different and unknown experiences is good. This book would be great to use in Science and PSHE lessons with year one and two children.
April 11, 2015
This beautiful story is about more than a dandelion seed. I felt this story about a dandelion seed's journey through life was about growing up. Not only does this book teach the lesson about how seeds spread and grow, but how we spread and grow. I related to this dandelion seed. My journey through life has made me feel so small in such a large world, but I am finding my purpose and my place in life. I thought this story was beautifully written and could be interpreting multiple ways. I would use this in my classroom as a science lesson with a moral lesson twist. The illustrations are wonderfully done, I could not ask for more from this book. I give The Dandelion Seed four seeds blowing through the air out of five!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews