National Trust: Sam Plants a Sunflower
By Author / Illustrator
Axel Scheffler, Kate Petty
Genre
Environment
Publisher
Nosy Crow
ISBN
9781839942068
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
11-04-2024
Synopsis
Discover the joy of growing things in this non-fiction nature picture book series from Axel Scheffler and the National Trust. Sam loves big, yellow sunflowers, so when his friends Worm and Ladybird suggest he grows his own, he soon plants some seeds in his garden. Join Sam as he watches them grow, with fun flaps to lift to see what's happening underground and a big sunflower pop-up surprise.
With a gentle story and simple facts to explain how plants grow, children will be inspired to get outside and follow the helpful tips to plant their very own sunflowers. Featuring artwork from bestselling The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, this new nature series from the National Trust is one for all the family to treasure!
Other titles in the series include: Tilly Plants a Tree
Reviews
Jessica
I was very excited when I saw that a book from my childhood had been redesigned and republished by none other than the extremely talented Axel Scheffler! Sam Plants a Sunflower is the perfect mix of narrative and information for any young budding gardener. What's more, this book is brought to us by Nosy Crow in partnership with the National Trust as part of a whole series of books about planting and growing.
Of course, Axel Scheffler is known best for his partnership with Julia Donaldson and for his Pip and Posy series. His illustrative style compliments this series perfectly and gives a familiar, homely feel. Sam the tabby cat is so full of character and emotion. He takes us on the rollercoaster ride of gardening from the joy of planting to the anxious wait for something to grow. Sam oozes pride when showing his kitty friends the fully-grown sunflowers.
The sunflower facts are gently delivered to us by the help of an adorable helpful ladybird. On the final page, we learn some more top tips for growing sunflower seeds with a 'how to' guide. You'll be an avid sunflower grower by the time you've finished this book, so I'd recommend getting some seeds and pots at the ready!
This book will perfectly compliment any EYFS setting where children can get hands-on and reenact what they've encountered in the story. This book teaches such an important life skill and looking after our planet is important now more than ever before.
Board book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 0+