Watermelon Facts and the Secret of Its Stripes — A Nature Picture Book
What makes the watermelon so fascinating?
Keeping summer cool, the watermelon is a crisp, sweet fruit made of water. Fun secrets are hidden in its green stripes and giant size.
Nature and science facts about the watermelon
A watermelon is more than 91% water by weight, making it perfect for quenching thirst on a hot summer day. As a vine plant, its stems creep along the ground, and its male and female flowers bloom separately, so insects must carry the pollen for it to bear fruit. The green stripes are a camouflage pattern inherited from its wild ancestors, and when the little tail at the end of the vine curls up, it's a sign that the fruit is ripe.
What Tangobook's «Watermelon» covers
Tangobook's «Watermelon» warmly shows yellow flowers, pollination by insects, a little watermelon growing bigger and bigger, and the summer day when it's cracked open to share.
Great things to observe together
Point out details like the stripes (camouflage), the big size and water content (91%), the vine (creeping growth), and the tail (a ripeness sign). It's a great idea to talk together about, "Why is a watermelon so full of water?"
Parent guide — extending into observation and hands-on activities
Cut a watermelon to observe the cross-section (how the seeds are arranged), and feel for yourself that it's "almost all water!" Try drawing the stripes, and explain that when the tail at the end of the vine dries up, it's a sign the fruit is ripe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is a watermelon so full of water?
A. Because more than 91% of its weight is water. That makes it great for quenching thirst on a hot summer day.
Q. Why does a watermelon have stripes?
A. They're a camouflage pattern inherited from its wild ancestors. It helped the fruit hide in nature.
Q. How can we observe this at home?
A. Try looking at how the seeds are arranged in a cross-section, drawing the stripes, and feeling that it's "almost all water."
Wonderful stories to read together
If you enjoyed this story, try reading these wonderful stories together too.
Curious about "Watermelon"?
Experience it for yourself on Tangobook, with beautiful illustrations and Korean and English audio.
📖 Go read the storybook →