The Seed Keepers is a warm story that focuses on emotions – those of both children and adults.
It comprises 10 therapeutic fairy tales that can be read separately; when read together, they create a coherent story about the lives of magical forest creatures – Lolo, his parents, his newborn sister and his animal friends. The heroes of the story live in a cosy underground burrow and fulfil a unique role – they are the keepers of seeds, from which beautiful flowers grow in the spring. Over time, we discover that they also tend to children’s emotions and needs. The authors tackle important topics with great sensitivity, including separation anxiety, the birth of siblings, anger, neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, different learning styles), adapting to school or preschool, grieving, and the first steps towards independence. Each chapter is preceded by a commentary for parents, providing practical tools on how to maturely and empathetically accompany a child through these sorts of challenges. The warm, emotional illustrations by the brilliant Maria Dek complement the story, making it a safe space for conversation, closeness and shared growth.
Gabriela Dul, translated by Kate Webster
