Sunflower Picture Book — The Secret of Following the Sun (Ages 4–7)
What makes a sunflower so fascinating?
Tall and bright, the sunflower is a signature summer flower, famous for turning its head to follow the sun. Let's discover the real science hidden in that movement.
This book brings together all kinds of stories about sunflowers, including sunflower facts, sunflower heliotropism, and the sunflower's life cycle.
Nature and science facts about sunflowers
"Following the sun" is true only for young sunflowers. While the stem is still soft, it tracks the sun from east to west during the day and swings back east at night — because of light-directed growth (phototropism) and an internal daily rhythm (a 2016 study in Science). Once fully grown and in bloom, the stem stiffens and most sunflowers become fixed facing east, catching the morning sunlight to absorb more light energy.
What Tangobook's «Sunflower» covers
Tangobook's «Sunflower» brightly shows the whole life cycle — a seed sprouting, the stem shooting up tall and facing the sun, and finally blooming and forming countless seeds.
Great points to observe together
Point out things like the young sunflower (following the sun), the mature flower (fixed facing east), the seeds (packed in a tight pattern), and the tall stem. Talking about "Why does a big sunflower only look one way?" together is a great place to start.
Parent guide — extending into observation and hands-on play
Plant a sunflower and watch it grow taller, observing how it turns its head while it's young. Look at the spiral seed pattern with a magnifying glass, and while snacking on the seeds, try counting "how many seeds are in one flower?"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Do sunflowers really turn to follow the sun?
A. Only young sunflowers do. Once fully grown and in bloom, most become fixed facing east.
Q. Why do they face east?
A. To catch the morning sunlight head-on, absorbing more light energy and drying off dew quickly.
Q. How can we observe them at home?
A. Plant one to watch it grow and turn its head, and look at the spiral seed pattern with a magnifying glass.
Wonderful stories to read together
If you enjoyed this story, try reading these wonderful picture books too.
Curious about "Sunflower"?
Meet it for yourself on Tangobook, with beautiful illustrations and Korean and English narration.
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