Synopses & Reviews
It’s 1935, and Ellen and her mother must leave their dried-up Saskatchewan farm to board with Aunt Gladys in Toronto. Intimidated by her new surroundings, Ellen chooses to hide in the branches of the large leafy tree outside her window and watch the neighbourhood children playing, rather than joining in their games. But when Ellen overhears a plan to evict the family-next-door from their home, she must overcome her fears and help her neighbours.
Review
Praise for
One Watermelon Seed:
"Luxuriant illustrations, a counting lesson that goes beyond 1 to 10, and the fun of hunting for hidden creatures: this new edition of One Watermelon Seed is sure to be a hit with both preschoolers and those who read to them."
-- ForeWord Magazine
About the Author
Celia Barker Lottridge was born in Iowa. When she was a child her family moved often, from the prairies to the west coast, then to the east coast and finally back to the prairies. In 1975 she moved to Toronto where she worked in the Children’s Book Store and began to write books for children. She also became a very active storyteller, performing in schools, libraries and theaters. Storytelling and all the many places where Celia has lived have inspired her books. Her novel Ticket to Curlew came from stories told in her family. One Watermelon Seed was inspired by all the wonderful vegetable gardens she sees in Toronto neighbourhoods. The Listening Tree features a Toronto house where she lived once upon a time.