This is an utterly delightful story of friendship across generations, the power of small actions and the need for environmental preservation. Kari loves sitting under the last delicia tree left with Old Otis, eating its sweet fruit and listening to his childhood stories where delicia trees abound. When Otis tells her about blight, a disease that destroyed all but one of the last delicia trees, she takes action. Together with friends, she collects and properly stores all kinds of seeds to preserve them for the future when blight was no longer a threat and they could safely be planted. While Otis might not have seen the regrowth of the delicia trees, Kari ultimately carryies on his tradition of sitting under them with local children to keep his story alive. This is a beautifully charming picture book filled with bright illustrations and childlike wonder. Combined with the author’s note at the end of the book introducing readers to The Global Seed Project, this book will not only delight readers, but inform them as well. This is the same author-illustrator duo for another one of my favorite books: Apple & Magnolia and I cannot wait for my hardcover to arrive so I can add it to my collection. Simply beautiful.

For Kari, summer means eating the juicy fruit of the delicia tree and hearing Old Otis' stories of the past. When the delicia tree is threatened, Kari decides to surprise Otis and save the future of the magnificent fruit.

I found this story rich and beautiful. The delicia tree was reminiscent to me of the olive trees in Palestine and the importance of intergenerational story telling really sat in the foreground throughout. I particularly enjoyed the Authors Note on the Global Seed Bank and the reminder that our small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact on the world.

This was a great story to help explain how things go extinct and what people can do to prevent it. I love the relationship of Kari and Otis. The circular part of the story makes it a great teaching book. Thank you Netgalley and flyaway books for the opportunity to read this story.

Kari loves eating the juicy fruit from the Delicia tree, but there in only one tree left in her community. Although there used to be many trees, a blight has killed all of the rest. Kari is worried that her beloved tree will die, too, so she begins collecting seeds to create a seed bank in the hopes of growing many, many more trees once scientists find a cure. This beautifully illustrated story is a tender introduction to conservation and the role that seed banks play in protecting the future.

Saving Delicia was a very cute read. The story was very heart warming and the illustrations were very pretty. I especially loved the concept of this book and the information about seed banks given was very informative.
With climate change and urbanisation of every possible place on Earth, it’s extremely important we teach our kids to care about our planet but to also take little initiatives.
The best part about this book is that its an interesting read, its rfictitious but its thought provoking and informative. It doesn’t blandly drone on about the importance of preserving nature, it subtly plants the seeds in the reader’s mind. It engages the reader with a fun, heart warming story and vibrant illustrations.
Highly recommend.

Just the other day I was listening to someone who was trying to propagate from seeds, because they were the cleanest, meaning that they didn’t usually carry fungus, or diseases from the plant they came from. We forget that plants usually come from seeds, and that seedbanks are needed to keep some species alive as their environment changes, and they can no longer survive where they used to.

This picture book is about that, in that there is a species of fruit tree called delicia, and that it is dying out. Kari asks why no one just doesnt’ plant new ones, and Otis, who has been around a long time, says that the blight keeps killing them off.

So Deleicia starts a seed bank where the seeds can be held until the blight is gone, or there is a cure for it.

And thus she is able to save and reestablish the Delicia trees and their fruit.

Sweet story, based on real life seed banks that are around to help save plants from extinction. (The author includes information about Seed Banks at the end of the book).

Good way to introduce children to the concept of not only saving seeds, but also of plants dying out because of blights.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published the 9th of April 2024.

"Saving Delicia" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale that beautifully weaves together themes of environmental conservation, intergenerational relationships, and the power of small actions. The story revolves around Kari, a young girl whose cherished summer memories include indulging in the succulent fruits of the delicia tree and listening to the enchanting stories narrated by Old Otis.

The plot takes an intriguing turn as the last remaining delicia tree faces the threat of extinction, prompting Kari to take matters into her own hands. Fueled by her love for the tree and inspired by Old Otis' stories, she embarks on a mission to create a seed bank, a surprising gift for Otis and a hopeful gesture for the future. The narrative skillfully captures Kari's determination, making her a relatable and admirable protagonist for readers of all ages.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to convey important environmental messages without being preachy. The delicate balance between storytelling and imparting valuable lessons is masterfully achieved. The author skillfully emphasizes the idea that individual actions, even seemingly small ones, can make a significant impact when focused on a broader perspective.

The exploration of the bond between Kari and Old Otis adds depth to the narrative, reinforcing the importance of intergenerational connections. The wisdom passed down through Otis's stories serves as a catalyst for Kari's actions, illustrating the profound influence that storytelling can have on shaping values and inspiring positive change.

The inclusion of an author's note about seed banks around the world adds an educational dimension to the book, enriching the reader's understanding of the real-world implications of the story. It encourages a sense of curiosity and awareness, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"Saving Delicia" is not just a story; it's a celebration of hope, resilience, and the capacity of individuals to make a difference. Through its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, the book successfully delivers a powerful and uplifting message, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

Kari loves to listen Old Otis tell stories about when he was young and ate the fruit of the Delicia tree all
summer long. Unfortunately,blight has killed off all the Delicia trees except for one. Old Otis explains
to Kari that unless scientists discover a cure for the blight, any Delicia trees grown from planted seeds
will die. With the help of her friemds, Kari collects seeds for a seed bank. While old Otis and the single
Delicia tree are gone, scientists discover the cure for blight. Happily, due to the seed bank, Delicia trees
are once again plentiful.
Beautiful story about how changes to the environment have harmed plants and the need to preserve seeds
for the future when they can be safely grown again.
#SavingDelicia #NetGalley

A delightful tale with beautiful, colorful illustrations. This is a story with an important message presented in an age-appropriate way: about connections between generations and a young girl's determination to preserve plant seeds for the future! The note from the author explains the significance of Seed Banks. Perfect for ages 3 - 7.

Every summer, Kari and her dog, Cookie, listen to Old Otis tell stories about his childhood. They share the shade of a beautiful fruit tree - the Delicia fruit tree! When Otis was young, there were many, many delicia trees. But a blight killed all but one. Instead of having lots and lots of delicia fruit, the community has to share the fruit from the one tree. This make Kari sad. So one summer, she saves the seeds from her last delicia fruit and asks Otis if they can plant them. Otis explain about the blight and that any new trees are killed by it so until a cure is found for the blight, no new trees can be grown. Kari thinks and thinks - and then comes up with a plan! She visits her library, studies and researches, and then asks Otis if she can use the freezer in his shed. And then she begins to collect and store seeds. Lots and lots of seeds - but especially delicia fruit seeds. But will they be able to grow them?

Sadly, in our world, there are no delicia trees because it was created by the author. But there are seed banks that keep the seeds from thousands of other plants safe, just in case the world needs to plant more. The author provides an explanation of seed banks at the end of the book. Of course, there are also plants that have gone extinct so who knows? Maybe once upon a time there was a delicia fruit but no Kari to save it.

Old Otis does die in the book - and so does the last delicia tree. And, of course, Cookie though you only realize that when you read the plaque in the orchard and see that Kari has a new dog. Because since it takes a while for trees to grow and bear fruit, the book ends with Kari as an adult. With a brand new dog.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. This book is very gentle and soft - in the colors and in the way it explores the very important topic of creating seed banks.

Sweet intergenerational story with STEM layered nicely throughout. Thanks to NetGalley and Flyaway books for sharing an ARC of SAVING DELICIA. At the beginning, we see the last Delicia tree remaining after blight killed the other trees. In the meantime it provides shade and fruit and a beautiful setting.
A little girl gets to work collecting seeds and creates a seed bank so that when the final tree dies, it’s not the end of the line. The story comes full circle so that at the end the little girl from the beginning is now an older woman telling the stories to a group of children. Excellent back matter about seed banks. Beautiful illustrations and lovely writing combine to make this a highly recommended book for home or school use.

I received an electronic ARC from Flyaway Books through NetGalley.
Charming story of a young girl and an elderly man who shares stories with her about the past. They sit under the last of the Delicia trees and enjoy the time together. Otis tells Kari of a time when there were plenty of trees before the blight killed them all. Kari listens and hopes to plant more after scientists solve the issue. She gets the idea to create a seed bank for all of the flowers and trees in their area. Death is dealt with gently when Otis and the tree pass away. Readers see Kari plant and nurture Delicia trees as she grows up. The story ends full circle as she shares about the past with children. Don't miss the informative text about seed banks at the end.
Terrific to open dialogue about conservation and planting for the future.

Thank you so much to Flyaway books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Kari loves listening to old Otis telling his stories of childhood when many Delicia trees grew. But the trees all but one got sick and died. One day Kari decides to save them she’s going to make a seed bank so when there’s a cure she can bring them back.

This was really sweet I loved Kari and Otis’s relationship, I loved how much the stories and the trees meant to her and how she wanted to do everything she could to save the trees.

She was so creative learning about a seed bank and starting one with all her friends to make sure different plants and foods get saved so they can grow them again to keep them growing.

I also loved how she continued on Otis legacy by sharing all the stories with all the children, of the magical trees and how she had only one until she helped make more. It was just honestly such a sweet story.

This is a great book for helping children learn about nature, about plants, maintaining them, helping them, preserving them. Though the fruit in this story isn’t real the story behind it is and I like that this will encourage children to want to save more fruit and vegetables and keep the seeds safe.

Cute children’s book about how a little girl saved the seeds from her favorite fruit tree and was determined to create more after a disease killed the many trees in their area.Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

If there is something I love, it is beautiful picture books that are also educational. This one ticks all the boxes, including also an intergenerational friendship, loss of a loved one, a huge big project based on true facts, and a powerful girl changing the world. Excellent addition to any library, and to science lessons!

I really enjoyed this book and the accompanying illustrations were absolutely stunning! I loved the important message surrounding doing what we can to conserve the living things on our planet. A truly heartwarming tale which I would recommend to educators and pupils everywhere! 📚🌏

Saving Delicia is an adorable story for children. It sparked conversation about seeds, gardening and extinction. It also has an element of generational tales and tradition.
The illustrations are fanciful and bright. They add such a wonderful beauty to the story.

Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams (Hardcover)
by Laura Gehl
The story of seed conservation, taking the idea of the Lorax and expanding it to the reality of world seed banks. This story shows that one child's dream can change reality

What a heartwarming story about the value of seed banks! The protagonist, Kari, grows up with just one fruit-bearing delicia tree and upon hearing stories from a wise old character, Old Otis, Kari stores seeds for when blight is eliminated from the only habitat where the delicia tree can grow. This book teaches readers about caring for trees for future generations and seed banks. The illustrations are wonderfully colorful and help tell the story well.

Thank you NetGalley and Flyaway Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.