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One Seed - Reviews

Reviews of "One Seed" by Rosemary Philllips

"It took one seed to make a diff’rence"

“The children were enchanted with the story, the catchy song, and the actions that Rosemary taught them. Rosemary understands children and what captures their interest, while bringing a ‘message’ to the whole experience. A seed can be a garden seed, or an idea, and from both we ‘reap what we sow.’ I found this presentation to be effective and successful in different ways. The students were actively engaged for the 40-minute performance. I felt that it was particularly appealing and ‘mind-sticking’ when many of us, students and adults alike, found ourselves humming or singing the tune long after Rosemary had left Naramata School.”
Peg Sargeant, teacher/principal, Naramata School.

What teachers at different schools say about the book

Good simple text. Combined science and social skills message. It’s clarity. Good message; ties in with our school’s focus on character education. Easy reading; simple; relevant.
Teachers in Kootenay schools

Simple, not complicated pictures. Easy print for reading. It is simple, as the story is. Metaphor to “reap what you sow”. Great pictures. There is a lesson.

There is a positive message about trying and being willing to be different. It carries a very powerful positive message in a meaningful interactive way.

I liked the combination, simple pictures, limited text, powerful expressions, happy events, hopeful future! Repetitive phrases. I like the repeating sentences. Kids could join in on that part.

Simplicity of pictures, valuable to get the message across to children.– children could try their own on the computer. Clearly presented, streamlined, simplistic, uncluttered, good use of black/white and colour. Message and repetition.

Relevant. Had a bigger picture and meaning kids identified with. Readable and informative. The one colour page is very effective.
Teachers in Okanagan schools

“The story could be used as a theme book for studying the environment, a specific environment (the desert), or for how ideas flourish. The song and story could be developed into a small play. I was thinking how appropriate this song might fit in with our April Earth Day assembly.”
Peg Sargeant, teacher/principal, Naramata School

Listen to a sample of the readalong CD

The story itself. Good simple drawings showing how words can be powerful. Pattern of “Just watch me.” Simple pictures but caught students’ imagination. How science (seed growth) and personal planning (courage, perseverance) are linked.
Teachers in northern B.C

What teachers at different schools say about the song/CD

Song easy to sing along to; CD will help me teach the song in future years. Easy tune, good lyrics, catchy refrain. We like your voice! Chorus was easy for students to learn; matched the story well. Catchy tune and words!
Teachers in Kootenay schools

Excellent reading with student voices for the story characters – clear narration – neat sound effects. Good music, simple lyrics. Easy to sing, nice tune. Very catchy words, nice repetition. Children singing on CD and audience participation. Catchy. Children could do parts almost immediately. Great melody, easy to follow. Great song. Wonderful. Cheerful. The kids loved it.

Very easy to sing along with. Fun, easy to learn and had a catching rhythm. The kids loved it. Ease of use. Catchy tune. Love the song, so do the kids. It’s great to sing along to. Music was up-beat and fun. Chorus easy to recall – tells a simple but effective message.
Teachers in Okanagan schools

Catchy tune. Teachers and kids caught onto the words quickly. Students liked it. Easy to learn and sing along. Actions. Chorus. Repeats book. Pleasant melody. Great actions!
Teachers from Northern B.C.

Listen to a sample of the singalong CD

Read the lyrics for the song, "One Seed"

What teachers say about the presentation

Thank you Rosemary. We enjoyed your book and presentation. My children were delighted to meet a “real live author”. We liked the way you included us in the reading of the story and the singing of the song. A great treat!
Mrs. Darlene Whiting and the Grade Ones of JW Inglis Elementary.

Dear Rosemary, Thank you so much for the fantastic, exciting presentation on seeds. Thank you from Miss McKay’s and Mrs. Catalona’s Grade 2/3 class.
Signed by: All the children in the class at Glenmerry Elementary.

Super – enthusiastic! Honest answers! A clear interest in kids; positive message; very patient. Warm, charming, friendly. Very good with children. The story, the song – my students told me: I like everything! Rosemary has a very wonderful way with the students and a great singing voice.

Very energetic, very interesting for students, also fun. Rosemary had an effective presence and used effective strategies to present her work. Simple language, clear explanation of the text and pictures. Rosemary was relaxed and at ease with the children. Rosemary has a wonderful voice.

Interactive and dramatic. It was a polished presentation. The presenter was warm and enthusiastic. Age appropriate. Interactive and engaging.
Teachers in Okanagan schools

She had lots of different ideas to keep the children interested and actively participating. The children were engaged and stayed focussed. Simple, but clean. Presenter seemed interested in the students and their ideas. I think this drew them in more. Enjoyed the movement and song; enjoyed having students involved in storytelling. We all really enjoyed it Rosemary. Keep up the good work. You have such a wonderful voice. We would have enjoyed more singing time!
Teachers in Kootenay schools

Rosemary’s calm approach with the children, involvement of all the children in one way, shape or form. Variety of activities, i.e. thinking, talking, singing, responding. I was very impressed with the presentation. It was very multi-faceted – seeds, perseverance, flight of seeds, not bowing to what others think – WOW. “Hooked” students. Seed became a personal friend. Children were involved and attentive. The relevance to the curriculum.
Teachers from Northern B.C.

Other Reviews and WHAT THE KIDS SAY

I love the book and song. Thank you.
Zoe, age 4

Young Dylon took the book to school for Show and Tell. The whole class joined in.
Renee, Sarnia, Ont.

For me, One Seed is a story that helps me understand people. Helps me believe in myself and have faith because I think One Seed is a story of believing and caring. It shows you that you can do anything if you try your best. Like in your story, the Seed never gave up.
Jordan, Grade 3

I love your story because it almost made me cry! But I can tell that you really tried! Your story has a lot of courage, hope and faith in it. That's why I cry. Thank you so much for writing this story. I love it.
Amanda

Dear Rosemary. I love the One Seed song! The reasons are because the words are beautiful and you have a great voice! I sing this song with my big buddies. I thank you for writing this book for kids!
Selina

Thank you! For writing this story. It really encouraged my grandma to plant more trees and never give up. I'm writing a story about my friends and I.
Duncan

And the best reviewers are the kids who play the CD over and over and over again. As one father said, “My daughter just got the book a couple of hours ago and she just keeps playing the CD over and over and over again. I’m just going to have to order ten more copies to give to all our friends.”

I am available for live presentations of "One Seed".

Published and Copyright 2002 by Quills Quotes & Notes
ISBN 0-9731568-0-5

Book with readalong/singalong CD - $16.95 Can.
Book only - for school orders - $9.95 Can

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