Book Review of If I Were a Plant
The Children’s Book Review
If I Were a Plant
Written and Illustrated by Gaia Stella
Ages: 4–8 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Helium (2026) | ISBN: 978-1962289023
What to Expect: Nature, plant science, environmental messaging, creative “what if” structure, humorous and lively dialogue, vibrant minimalist illustrations.
An imaginative and informative picture book that invites young readers to explore the secret, complex, and vital world of botanical science through the curious eyes of a child imagining life as an oak tree.
If I Were a Plant follows a young narrator named Lea as she imagines life as an oak tree to explore how the Earth’s most numerous living beings survive. Rejecting dry botanical definitions, the playful “what if” narrative takes readers on an educational journey through the seasons—uncovering how plants eat, breathe, and navigate underground without moving. Ultimately, the story weaves in the mechanics of pollination to deliver a vital environmental message about protecting our warming planet.
Gaia Stella’s writing is lightly informative and humorous, successfully making complex science accessible to children. The text features great read-aloud qualities with rhythmic repetitions and lively dialogue between children and animals. Concluding with a clear “Plant vs. Lola” anatomical comparison, the book provides an exceptional educational anchor that solidifies its core concepts.
The illustrations are a standout feature, utilizing a fresh, minimalist, and geometric aesthetic. Stella’s vibrant visual style draws inspiration from architectural forms and classic 80s toys. The blocky, bold-hued spreads elevate the book beyond a standard science text, transforming it into a “visual gallery”. The layout choices mirror the text beautifully, giving readers plenty of playful visual details to pore over on a second or third read.
If I Were a Plant is a brilliant blend of whimsical storytelling and environmental science that breathes fresh life into nonfiction picture books. Curious young minds, budding nature lovers, and elementary-aged readers who love asking “how” and “why” will most enjoy this book.
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About the Author
Gaia Stella is an award-winning artist based in Milan, Italy. She is the author and illustrator of several books, including Become an Architect with Tadao Ando (Helium 2021, in collaboration with the Pinault Collection Bourse de Commerce) and If I were A Fungus, which has been translated into six countries so far. Her clients include The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vogue Bambini, and The Boston Globe. Gaia’s colorful and geometric imagery is inspired by a variety of sources, such as brutalist architecture, 80s toys, and books by Tove Jansson.
