Age Range: 4 to 7
The Story: ‘Violet was the best – everyone agreed. Except Rosie’. This is the beginning to a delightful book about everyone’s desire to be noticed and praised. Miss Willis, the teacher, gives her students a seed which she wants them to grow into a pea plant. Everyone knows that Violet’s plant will be the best; especially Violet. Feeling a bit jealous, Rosie throws soil on Violet’s already growing seedling. But when Violet falls ill to chicken pox, Rosie decides to take care of both plants by herself. With Rosie’s tender care, the two plants flourish. But when Violet returns to school, whose plant will be the best?
What I also liked about the book is the “science” lessons in the background. The seeds in order to grow into healthy plants need water, air, soil and sunlight, and a beautiful pot to grow in. Rosie even sings to the plants.
Patrice Barton’s illustrations are what first attracted me to the picture book. They are both beautiful and funny. The children’s expressions in the book help readers know what is happening emotionally. This is a book to cherish with your own children who would want to be read to over and over again.
Author: Allison Wortche / Illustrator: Patrice Barton
About Rita Borg
Rita lives in Malta but was raised in New York City. She visits schools as a storyteller. She is the author of four bilingual (Maltese and English) picture books, one anthology of 10 short stories for 8-10 year olds, a picture book in Maltese and her latest book, Meg the Egg. She has published a poem on PEN for the European Union and various articles about storytelling to children in a range of magazines and newspapers. She is a member of the SCBWI.
A selection of Rita’s books are shown below.
The following books can be bought directly from Rita’s website.
Don’t Cross the Road, Holly / Taqsamx it Triq Fuxa
Rebecca’s Choice / L’Ghazla ta’ Rebecca
The Frogs’ Great Escape / Il Harba Taz Zringijiet
On a Lonely Tree / Fuq Sigra Mwarrba
Il Kalzetta Mitlufa
Seasons: an anthology