The Dandelion Seed: A picture book of finding strength through nature's story

by Joseph Anthony, Cris Arbo (Illustrator)

Overview

What if letting go was the bravest thing you could do?

The Dandelion Seed is a timeless, beautifully illustrated picture book that captures the quiet courage it takes to face change—and the wonder that follows when we do. Beloved by educators and families alike, this lyrical story follows one small seed on a journey of transformation through the natural world.

When the wind carries it away from the only home it's ever known, the dandelion seed floats through the seasons, learning that the unknown can be not only safe—but extraordinary.

A treasured story for parents, teachers, and gift-givers:

• Comforts children facing transitions—school, moves, or life changes—with a reassuring message of hope
• Encourages emotional resilience and curiosity through a metaphor children can understand
• Seamlessly blends science and storytelling: ideal for teaching life cycles and seasonal change
• Features poetic language and nature-accurate illustrations that invite calm and reflection
• A must-read for fans of The Tiny Seed and other classic nature-themed picture books

With warmth and quiet wisdom, The Dandelion Seed reminds us that letting go isn't about leaving something behind—it's about finding the courage to grow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781883220679
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/01/1997
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.08(d)
Lexile:	AD560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 10 Years

About the Author

Joseph Patrick Anthony was born the tenth of eleven children. His family loved the mountains, so exploring with his brothers and sisters nurtured an innate love for adventure and an appreciation for the natural world. He traveled with the Navy as a trumpet player, worked in a natural food store, as a Corrections Officer, a massage therapist, and a construction supervisor, experiences which have all served to deepen his self-understanding and perspective on the human condition. Joseph's cosmological work, "Our Multi-Tiered Universe," grew out of a desire to help move the planet to a clean energy future. His website is www.JosephPatrickAnthony.com.

Cris Arbo's art is known for intense detail and is inspired by her love and respect for nature. It has appeared in books, magazines, calendars, cards, murals, and in animated feature films, TV shows, and commercials. She has illustrated six nature awareness children's books for Dawn Publications and is also a frequent presenter at schools and conferences. Cris has four daughters and lives in Buckingham, Virginia with her husband, author Joseph Anthony and their youngest daughter, Alina. Many of Cris' favorite hours are spent in the garden.

Editorial Reviews

A joyous, beautiful story. Arbo’s striking and impressive illustrations jump off each page full of color and detail. This fable of the seed will be a plus in many classrooms and will make a delightful bedtime story book. . . . A must for young readers.

C-Ville Weekly

Reminiscent of Rose Fyleman's A Fairy Went A-Marketing and Barbara Helen Berger's classic A Grandfather Twilight, this beautifully illustrated story is profoundly simple and wise. With very few words at all, featuring lush and brightly colored full-page pictures, this is a simple tale of change and renewal. Through the story of one last dandelion seed afraid to "let go" into the autumn winds, the themes of trust and divine will are illuminated. The cycle of ripenings, dispersal, dormancy, and eventual sprouting brings wisdom to the once-frightened little seed. Surrender leads to discovery, and trust grows like the seedling rooted in the earth. It is not until the beautifully wrought ending that we glimpse a human—a little girl blowing on a dandelion "wisher"—showing the universal through a child's eyes.

NAPRA Review