The Watermelon Seed

The other day I stopped by HomeSense (similar to HomeGoods in the U.S.) to see what new books they had in stock. I love shopping for books there because I can always count on them having a unique selection. And as soon as I spotted the neon green and pink of The Watermelon Seed, I sensed I’d found a winner.

Let’s be real – if the cover isn’t appealing to me, I’m not even going to pick up the book to show my kids. But this cover did not disappoint! The minimal color scheme on the front is carried into the whole book in such a visually pleasing way that I was immediately drawn into the story.

This perfect Summer (or anytime!) read is about a crocodile who just looooves watermelon. The problem is, he accidently ate a seed while he was munching away. What ensues is a wildly imaginative tangent of worries, much like a young child might have upon swallowing a seed themselves. Eventually, the crocodile’s concerns are calmed in an unexpected manner, putting himself and the reader at ease…at least for a few pages. ;)

Even though my kiddos are mostly reading on their own now, they still love picture books, especially when they are being read to by an adult. We gathered on the couch for the quick read before dinner, and my speculations that this was a great choice was confirmed when, upon me closing the book, my son instantly asked me to read it again. He really liked it, though his giggles as I read had already given that away.

And as the reading adult, I have to say that this book was so much fun to read out loud!

Greg Pizzoli used heaps of exclamation points that allowed me to add dramatic expression to my reading. And the screen printed pictures (how cool is that?!) were simple with just the perfect amount of silly. Just look at that fruit salad! This is no doubt my favorite page of the book.

To summarize, I would be amiss to not mention that this book was given the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. (To be honest, I had to Google what that is.) I was impressed to read that this award is “given annually to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children’s literature that encourages and supports the beginning reader published in English in the United States during the preceding year.” (www.ala.org) Wow! Well done, Greg Pizzoli and The Watermelon Seed! You would have had my vote for sure!

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

Published in 2013