The Stuff that Stuff Is Made Of: The Things We Make With Plants

Gr 3-6–“Fruits, roots and shoots!” This first line immediately sets the tone for the rest of this book about 30 different plants and their uses. Each plant gets a spread layout. On the right side is a full-page illustration of the plant, with different pieces of it pulled out and explained along the edges in a handwritten font, making it feel like a botanist’s notebook; on the left side are all fun facts about that particular plant’s uses along with small illustrations inlaid among the facts. Included in the facts shared are where and how the plant grows, how it is harvested, its place in cultural traditions and history or pop culture (Mandrake is included, which will delight Harry Potter fans). In his first book for young readers, Drori (for adults, Around the World in 80 Trees, etc.) includes plants from all over the world and the illustrators make a point of showing the people of color who are part of this story. For instance, the mention of enslaved people and a small illustration of a Black woman is part of the discussion of sugarcane, and Indian women dancing in saris are shown in the discussion of henna. All of the illustrations are colorful and drawn in a cartoon style that is eye-catching and adds context. A small glossary is included at the end of the book.