cover image The Giant Seed

The Giant Seed

Arthur Geisert. Enchanted Lion (Consortium, dist.), $14.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-59270-115-5

The nomadic pigs that first appeared in Ice return in another intricately illustrated, wordless story, first published in France. One day, a large, broomlike plant lands near the pigs’ island village. The pigs cut off the stalk and plant its seedpod, and, over time, dandelion flowers emerge. When a nearby volcano starts spurting lava, the pigs gather their belongings and use the dandelion tufts as parachutes, landing safely on another island. Geisert’s etchings unfold with grace and understated drama; enigmatic details should urge readers to imaginatively participate in the open-ended story. Ages 4–up. (June)