Plants on the Move by Émilie Vast

Plants on the Move

by Émilie Vast

A gorgeous, lyrical exploration of how seeds travel from plant to plant, take root, and grow.
 


When you think of a plant, you don't think of how it moves. But the feathery seeds of the dandelion fly to other gardens, strawberry tendrils creep, and maple seeds spin. There are many different ways plants move, not only as they grow, but in their quest to reproduce: falling, clinging, floating, burrowing--even exploding!

Fourteen plant journeys are chronicled, but more than sixty species are highlighed in Émilie Vast's fantastic and unique art style. Learn the scientific names for the different ways plants move.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

4 of 5 stars

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Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Plants on the Move is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction book on horticulture by Émilie Vast. Originally published in French in 2018, this English translation, out 25th May 2021 from Charlesbridge, is 56 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a nonfiction science based but beautifully illustrated, accessible, and engaging book on how plants spread themselves via different methods. There are a number of methods examined via 14 plants such as "parachute" seeded plants such as dandelions and thistles, plants that send out creepers such as strawberries and buttercups, seeds that cling with burrs, seeds that are dispersed after being eaten, and nuts that fall and bounce (or are carried away).

In each case the plants are simply illustrated and perfectly recognizable. The text is simple and accessible to young readers with correct scientific terms used in context to aid understanding. The translation work is seamless; it doesn't read as though it were translated.

Four stars. Really well done short book. This would make a good selection for school or public library or for home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 May, 2021: Finished reading
  • 24 May, 2021: Reviewed