THE BIG SEED
by Ellen Howard & illustrated by Lillian Hoban
Bess, smallest in her class, is constantly being shoved out of the way or left till last. When she chooses a seed to plant in a milk carton, she picks a big one; she's not sure what it is, but remembers small yellow flowers on the packet—``Marigolds?'' suggests nice stepfather Charlie, the only person who seems to listen to Bess. The plant outgrows all others at school; once home and outdoors, it really takes off, but again no one listens to Bess until nearly fall, when Charlie finally identifies the giant: a sunflower. And Bess, too has grown, as Mother points out—``Why, Bess...you're not too small...You are our own dear Bess.'' A warm, nicely shaped story about self-acceptance. Hoban's cozy, cartoon-style illustrations are just right. (Picture book. 4-7)