Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
Poems selected by Fiona Waters
Published by Nosy Crow and The National Trust
September 2018
I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree: A Nature Poem For Every Day Of The Year, named after the first line of Judith Nicholls’ poem ‘Windsong’, is a lavishly illustrated collection of 366 nature poems – one for every day of the year, including leap years. Filled with familiar favourites and new discoveries, written by a wide variety of poets, including John Agard, William Blake, Emily Brontë, Charles Causley, Walter de la Mare, Emily Dickinson, Carol Ann Duffy, Eleanor Farjeon, Robert Frost, Thomas Hardy, Roger McGough, Christina Rossetti, William Shakespeare, John Updike, William Wordsworth and many more, this is the perfect book for children (and grown-ups!) to share at the beginning or the end of the day, or just to dip into.
What the Critics Said
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“For those keen to introduce their children to poetry, I am the Seed that Grew the Tree is a classic in the making, a book the whole family will cherish for years to come.”
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“A huge year-round compendium of nature poetry chosen by Fiona Waters, with colourful images by Fran Preston-Gannon beckoning the reader like seed on a bird table.”
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“A day-by-day compilation as effervescent as it is substantial.”
– The Wall Street Journal (US)
‘A breath-taking compendium of words and pictures that beg to be read and cherished, this a book that will be at the top of many of our own bookseller’s Christmas lists.’
– Waterstones
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“‘A real Hymn to nature.’ says Nosy Crow of this outstanding poetry anthology and I wholeheartedly agree. Stylish and distinctive but with real child appeal. A book to share, educate, entertain and to treasure.”
– Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
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“Paired throughout with Preston-Gannon’s evocative, vibrantly textured digital illustrations, Waters’ superbly curated poems offer something for everyone: majestic and inspiring as nature itself.”
– Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)
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“Unbelievably ambitious, utterly enthralling and lavishly produced I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree is overflowing with nature poems and glorious full colour illustrations… A true delight!”
– Picture Book Blogger
