From Seedling to Supper
By Richard Sobol
Photographed by Richard Sobol
Traveling Photographer Series
Candlewick Press, 2010
ISBN #978-0-7636-3252
Ages 5-8; could be read with older children
40 pgs
“When I saw a woman ahead in a bright yellow silk shirt frozen in a soft blanket of green rice plants, I couldn’t bear it anymore. I asked permission to stop for just one minute, and the Thai police commander, Colonel Dewa, reluctantly agreed. ‘Make it quick,’ he said as I grabbed my camera. ‘I am only letting you do this because for Thai people, rice is what keeps us alive. It is as important to us as the air that we breathe.’”
Author Richard Sobol was in Thailandfor another reason the first time, but he went back to learn more about rice and photograph this grain so valuable to so many people in the world. The Life of Rice documents the life cycle of rice from the author’s invitation from the king ofThailandto attend the Thai National Celebration of Rice to the harvesting of the rice from the fields.
Large photographs on each spread document the progress of the growing rice alongside the Thai people growing it. The work in the fields is explained and the photos show the progress at each step. Detailed captions add to the information of the text.
The book is rich with facts about rice and the Thai culture as well. It would lend itself to a social studies lesson or a science lesson. Seasons, monsoons, life cycle, and cultures follow naturally from reading this book. I first read it as a Cybils NF picture book first round judge last year and liked it, but it didn’t make the finals. I think it’s quite suited to an older reader, too. It’s a fascinating look in detail of an interesting plant and makes a fascinating read.
Activity 1 (for younger ages)
Use a graphic organizer or circle to trace the life cycle of a rice seed. Label and illustrate each step. Cook rice and share it with the learners.
Learn about the rice life cycle here.
This chart shows the rice growth at stages.
Activity 2
Look up the different varieties of rice. Create a comparison chart to show their characteristics. Find a recipe that incorporates each kind to add to the chart.
This site tells about rice and cooking the varieties.
Read more about the kinds of rice at this site.
Activity 3
Research the nutrients in rice. Write an explanation of what they are and how the body uses them.
This site includes information about the different kinds of rice.
National Science Standard: growth and development of organisms
Book provided by publisher for 2010 Cybils committee.
I read Sobol’s book, The Mysteries of Angkor Wat, that was nominated this year for the MG/YA Cybils. It is beautifully done, so I can’t wait to find this one.
I really like your activities that you post alongside the reviews. Thanks for joining us at STEM Friday today over at http://archimedesnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/stem-friday-prairie-storms.html
Thanks, Sue. I get to keep a bit of my inner teacher self going this way!
This sounds like a great lesson! If you are considering doing a lesson on adaptation and/or evolution, my book could be a great supplement for it. I’d love your feedback on my blog. Thanks!
[...] Blog asks us to pause for a moment for a bit of nourishment as she discusses Richard Sobol’s The Life of Rice: From Seedling to Supper. It also appears that the setting for this lovely book is from a neighboring country of ours, [...]
I always enjoy how you manage to include possible activities to be incorporated within the curriculum along with your very detailed and thoughtful reviews. I shall definitely look for this book. I’ve also heard of the mysteries of angkor wat and I know that it’s been positively reviewed by a lot of book bloggers. I now have TWO books to look out for from the same author. Thanks for sharing this and for participating in this week’s Nonfiction Monday.
Thank you. I definitely want to read the Mysteries of Angkor Wat. You and Roberta at Wrapped in Foil have mentioned it.