Text Set:

Connections Between Humans and Plants

Carle, E. (1987). The tiny seed. Natick, MA: Picture Book Studio.
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book describes the plant life
cycle through the story of flower seeds that have been blown into the air and
have landed in various places, some that make it more challenging to grow
than others. After many of the seeds fail to grow in their environments, there
is only one seed left, the tiniest seed of the lot. After finding a nice home to
grow, the seed must face more obstacles to become a full-grown flower.
Level: Grade Level: 3.2
Lexile: 400L
DRA: 20
Guided Reading: L
Writing Activity: Using the knowledge in this book, have students
write a paragraph about what they know about the plant life cycle from
reading just this book. After they have finished, they may share with the
class. They may even make edits and additions based on what others have
shared.
Marzollo, J., & Wilson-Max, K. (2011). The little plant doctor: A story
about George Washington Carver. New York: Holiday House.
Summary: Narrated by an old tree, this story recalls the early life of
George Washington Carver, and how he began to view the world of plants in
a way different than ever before. It is a beautiful story about his life and the
influence he had not only in the science field, but also on humanity.
Level: Lexile: 640L
Writing Activity: Ask students to think about what object in their
lives might be able to tell a story about them, similar to the way the old tree
had been able to recount the story of George Washington Carver. Have them
write a little story from an objects perspective about themselves and
illustrate it. Perhaps, share with a partner afterwards.
Perez, M., Hines, A. G., Rey, M., & Rey, H. A. (2009). Margret & H.A.
Rey's Curious George plants a tree. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt.
Summary: The readers follow George on yet another adventure this
time to the science museum where he finds out the museum will be planning
a Green Day that focuses on recycling and planting trees. George is eager
to help with this project, but finds himself in a bit of trouble when he
attempts to recycle things that are just not quite ready to be recycled!

Thankfully, the whole community is involved and helps George with the
project.
Level: Grades: PreK-2
Lexile: AD400L
DRA: 18
Guided Reading: K
Writing Activity: Have the students look through the book and find
all of the special vocab words that relate to Green Day, such as the word
recycling or the word trees. Have the students write a paragraph about a
special day like Earth Day or a special experience they have had working
with plants or recycling using five of the words they have found in the book
Silverstein, S., & Silverstein, S. (1964). The giving tree. New York:
Harper & Row.
Summary: This is a classic, yet tender story about a boys lifelong
relationship with a tree. Silverstein poignantly describes how the relationship
between the two shifts from a fun, youthful, and supportive one, to one
characterized by the boys greed and the trees selflessness. It brings to light
a compassionate and loving perspective of trees and the nature around us,
while simultaneously demonstrating the nuances of friendship.
Level: Grade Level: 2.6
Lexile: 530L
DRA: 30
Guided Reading: N
Writing Activity: Separate the students into groups and assign each
group a part of the story. Have the students write either a script or a
summary for that part of the book. Once they have done, have the groups
share and act out their portion in chronological order, so that there is an
active retelling of the story.

Tamar, E., & Lambase, B. (1996). The garden of happiness. San

Diego: Harcourt Brace.
Summary: A dirty, littered lot in New Yorks Alphabet City is
transformed when a young girl named Marisol, decides to start a garden
there. Her small patch of dirt soon grows into a large patch of lush garden,
and surprises everyone in her community, bringing them joy and happiness,
and demonstrating that beauty can be found anywhere.
Level: Grade Level: 3.1
Lexile: 590L
DRA: 34

Guided Reading: O
Writing Activity: Have the students create and be responsible for
their own bean garden in the classroom. Have them water and care for the
plants and record what they are finding. After the plants have fully grown,
have the students go through what they have recorded over the growth
period and write a paragraph about the whole process and what they have
learned.