A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 364

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Boy Who Changed the World     

Author: Andy Andrews

Illustrator: Philip Hurst

Summary: Nobel laureate, Norman Borlaug, saved the lives of more than two billion people when he developed seeds that grew into super plants that were more hearty and potent. His fascination with agriculture began when he was a young boy in Iowa. In reverse chronology, three other individuals are highlighted here because their influences greatly affected Borlaug’s work. Henry Wallace was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who asked Borlaug to do his research with seeds. George Washington Carver, well known plant pioneer, was a student of Henry Wallace’s father. While in school, Carver, roamed the fields and forests of Iowa with young Henry, teaching him about plants. Moses Carver, the adoptive father to the famous scientist, saved young George from the raid in which George’s biological parents were killed. The book ends by explaining the Butterfly Effect.

Hanna’s Comments: My summary above is somewhat dry and confusing. In contrast, the author deftly connects these 4 men in a way that makes the point repeatedly that daily choices can make a positive difference in the world, even the choices that kids make. Note that this book has been published with 2 titles: The Boy Who… and The Kid Who….  This picture book is based on the author’s popular book for adults, The Butterfly Effect.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, I could find no video of this book. On Youtube.com, there is a quick promo about the book done by the author. You will also find a short video about 7 children who changed the world. Here’s that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpm5uNpideo  

PBT Category: Biography, Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, America, children, beginnings/morning, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, choices/decision, communication, consequences/punishment, creation, dependence/interdependence, discovery/invention, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, gifts/talents, harvest, heroes, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, legacies, mentors/teachers, nurturing, power, relationships, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Be transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you may discern the will of God (Romans 12:2b); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6); whatever is true, whatever is honorable… think on these things (Philippians 4:8-9); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family who are learning about how their choices can influence the world in positive ways.