Grace's Mystery Seed - Book Review

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by Belladonna (subscribe)

Loves going out and about in Canberra and writing about her adventures! Also addicted to coffee, high teas, escape rooms, and dressing up.

Published February 10th 2019

A story that will grow on you and your children

'Polly likes these stripy seeds,' Grace said. 'What are they from?'
Let's find out,' said Mrs Marino.

Award winning author Juliet Sampson's picture book, Grace's Mystery Seed, tells the story of a young girl called Grace. Grace's favourite neighbor is Mrs Marino because Mrs Marino has the best garden in the whole street. One day Grace and Mrs Marino plant a mystery seed. They wait and wait for ages. Then a little green shoot starts to grow . . . and grow . . . and grow . . . until, at last, Grace discovers the truth about her amazing mystery seed.

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About Juliet
Juliet is an award-winning Melbourne-based author whose childhood encompassed the world of storytelling. "I lived it and breathed it," Juliet tells me. "My mother read to me every night and I enjoyed our regular visits to the library and storytime. My Grandpa's love of film and musicals was addictive and I would sit for many hours watching different characters share their stories."

Juliet has written and published four young adult novels so far: Behind the Mask in 2011, Bon Voyage! in 2013, Dance Demons released in 2016, and Outback Wonder which was published last year. Grace's Mystery Seed (published by Ford Street Publishing) is her first picture book, beautifully and sumptuously illustrated by children's book illustrator Karen Erasmus.

"Grace's Mystery Seed was inspired by my love of something in a garden," Juliet says. "Years ago, a famous writer gave me a seed to plant. I had never been a gardener and was wondering how I would manage to do this task. I enjoyed caring for this seedling and this is where the inspiration for Grace's Mystery Seed started."

Grace's Mystery Seed is a delightful story about two friends from very different generations who come together over their love of the garden and their wonder over the mystery seed. The book is aimed at children from 4-9 years of age and will strongly appeal to their wonder and curiosity about the mystery seed.

Grace's Mystery Seed will be available for purchase from March 1, 2019. You can pre-order from any bookshop nationally or go to the Ford Street Publishing website to order your copy online. If you are a teacher, teacher notes for Grace's Mystery Seed are also available on the website.

The book will be launched by author, presenter and scientist Dr Gina M Newton at Ford Street Publishing, 162 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford, Vic on Sunday March 24 at 2pm.

For more information on Juliet Sampson, visit her webpage here.