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kitsuneheart's review against another edition
4.0
A charming story, though do be careful, because it could be somewhat frightening to little kids. And it certainly perpetuates the "swallow a seed, grow a plant inside" superstition common among little ones. But if they can get past that, it's a visually appealing piece, which is perfect for an afternoon read.
Irene's father is a master gardener, but sometimes his growing powers can get out of hand. When he accidentally drinks a glass full of seeds, he transforms into a tree. At first, it's interesting, but as time passes, and he becomes more wooden and unable to interact with his family, Irene grows scared, and wishes she had her father back to normal.
It all has a happy ending, in line with the magical realism theme. So, hopefully your kids will be soothed, rather than frightened. Perhaps use this for class storytime, and lead into a unit on growing plants from seeds. Just make sure no one swallows them!
Irene's father is a master gardener, but sometimes his growing powers can get out of hand. When he accidentally drinks a glass full of seeds, he transforms into a tree. At first, it's interesting, but as time passes, and he becomes more wooden and unable to interact with his family, Irene grows scared, and wishes she had her father back to normal.
It all has a happy ending, in line with the magical realism theme. So, hopefully your kids will be soothed, rather than frightened. Perhaps use this for class storytime, and lead into a unit on growing plants from seeds. Just make sure no one swallows them!
waterviolite's review against another edition
3.0
This book has potential, but parts seemed to be missing as if someone had edited it without rereading it to see if the story still made sense. For example, it says Irene's dad "gulped... every last one of those seeds we had hidden in that cup" without having mentioned how or why their secret seed collection ended up in the cup she was using to serve iced tea to her dad, or whether it was intentional that she poisoned him with it.
afro8921's review against another edition
5.0
Irene’s wish is a wonderful story depicting a folktale that comes true. Irene’s dad is a busy gardener who is always being asked for advice by his neighbors. Irene loves her dad, but wishes he could spend more time with them. Her father always told her not to swallow seeds because they would take root and grow inside of her. One day she gives her father tea that has seeds in it. What follows is a fantastic tale of her father putting down roots literally. The characters in the book are people of color, however there is not a specific ethnicity attached to them. This is a story that reflects the diverse communities in the world. Gardening activities or a trip to the local nursery are some projects teachers can use as extension activities.
afro75's review against another edition
5.0
Irene’s wish is a wonderful story depicting a folktale that comes true. Irene’s dad is a busy gardener who is always being asked for advice by his neighbors. Irene loves her dad, but wishes he could spend more time with them. Her father always told her not to swallow seeds because they would take root and grow inside of her. One day she gives her father tea that has seeds in it. What follows is a fantastic tale of her father putting down roots literally. The characters in the book are people of color, however there is not a specific ethnicity attached to them. This is a story that reflects the diverse communities in the world. Gardening activities or a trip to the local nursery are some projects teachers can use as extension activities.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
3.0
A clever story that would do well as a read aloud for a unit on plants and how they grow. The book is a tad text heavy, so younger kids might lose interest, but the pictures are lovely.
heypretty52's review against another edition
4.0
Updated review- I think this book is best suited to a good conversation with a slightly older young reader. Irene relationship with her dad would make a good talking point re: a busy family dynamic.
Great illustrations but the story is too complex and too long for readers so young.
Great illustrations but the story is too complex and too long for readers so young.
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