One Bean

paper, [32] p., $5.95

How to plant a bean is the subject of this simply told and well-designed book. A young boy, accompanied by a little girl, puts a seed between two wet paper towels and, in time, moves a seedling to a clay pot. The development of the plant and the care necessary for healthy growth are nicely depicted. Megan Halsey's charming illustrations appear to be cut-outs and give beginning readers enough of an idea to tackle the words in the text. While parents and teachers might use this title as a springboard to direct an experiment, preschoolers may be stimulated to observe other plants growing in their environment. For reading aloud to 3- to 5-year-olds and for readers ages 6 to 7.

— Nancy H. McCray