Before the Seed

Discover the intricate process of pollination in a lyrical narrative from a noted biologist, packed with information-rich asides and paired with spectacular botanical illustrations.

We live in a world of green that grows from seeds, but what happens before there are seeds? In a graceful text grounded by riveting science, biologist Susannah Buhrman-Deever explains how whirling winds, buzzy bees, and bustling birds move pollen from flower to flower, answering each plant’s special invitation. Lush botanical illustrations by artist duo Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius bring each tiny detail of the process to life, and the final pages remind us why it’s important to take action to protect our pollinators. From bees and bats to beetles and hummingbirds, the text covers creatures from all over the world that aid in flower pollination, as well as the sophisticated mechanisms flowering plants have developed in order to reproduce. Back matter includes more information on flower anatomy, how to support local pollinators in your own backyard, and the dangers that global warming poses to pollinator species.