The Giant Seed by Arthur Geisert
This follow-up to the charming Ice continues the story of the community of pigs. One night, an enormous seed landed near the homes of the pigs. The pigs immediately set to work planting it, watering it, and caring for it. It grew into an enormous dandelion. Just as the flowers were blooming, a volcano near their village started to erupt. Hot ash fell onto their homes and the pigs were forced to flee. They found the solution in the dandelion seeds, riding them to a new island filled with trees and fresh water.
Geisert’s pig stories are told entirely through pictures. The long, narrow format of the book allows for a series of panels, one picture on each page, or a lovely long image that takes up the entire spread. Geisert uses all of these formats for his images. His illustrations are done in etchings with fine lines and small details. The mystery of the real size of the pigs continues with one wondering if they are either very tiny pigs or the dandelions are truly larger than trees.
As readers face another disaster alongside the pigs, they will enjoy the whimsical solution and the impressive art. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Reviewed from copy received from Enchanted Lion Books.