How does a handful of seeds turn into a garden?
With lyrical language and blooming illustrations, Mara Plants a Seed demonstrates the transformative power of simple actions. By cleaning up an empty lot and planting fifty sunflower seeds, Mara begins to create a flourishing, wild garden — but she doesn’t do it alone.
Little does Mara know, flying insects, digging worms, hungry birds, noisy neighbors, and other secret gardeners are working to help transform the lot into something even more beautiful than she imagined. Rain storms wash away seeds, but rabbits leave some behind. Some helpers nibble up weeds, and others fertilize the soil. Each time Mara visits the garden, she’s expecting to see her sunflowers growing. But as the flowers blossom, she uncovers the exciting secrets waiting for her!
Mara Plants a Seed inspires young readers to develop a deeper connection to the environment around them and study the many ways natural processes and ordinary animals help plants grow and thrive. Children will watch as Mara’s simple action of restoring an empty lot transforms a community and the beautiful way the garden bursts to life.
Mara Plants A Seed
Product type Hardcover
Pages 40 ISBN 978-1-958629-76-5
Dimensions 10 x 10" Age Range 2-7
Grade Range Preschool - 2nd Grade Language English Publication Date April 2025 "A sweet and endearing story of hope and all of the delicate and special pieces required to sustain it." – Tyler Thrasher, Botanist, Artist, and Author of “The Universe in 100 Colors.”
“Such a wonderful book that shows children that just one small act can make a beautiful difference. 'Mara Plants a Seed' is a perfect story to share with young readers that is packed with valuable lessons."
- Melissa Inferrera, 1st Grade Teacher and Plant Mom, @musicmindandsoul
“This precious tale of a girl’s journey into the garden inspires us to take a look around and imagine the possibilities. People, insects, bugs and even beings one can not see all come together in harmony. Powered by hope, tenacity and the help of community, we see how magical a single seed can be!”
- Tamara Elmore, Tam in the Garden @taminthegarden