Just in Case

Author: Megan Clendenan

Illustrations by:  Brittany Cicchese

Publisher: Charlesbridge, October 2025

Pages: 32

Grade Level: K - 6

ISBN:  978-1623544805 

I had no idea that there was a vault that saved seeds ‘just in case’ they might be needed. This book is about the main vault located in Norway inside a mountain keeping 580 million seeds safely frozen ready to be used when needed. We learn some of the process in deciding where and how to build the vault.  Since I was reading to 5th and 6th graders, I also read some of the sidebar information which answered some of the questions the students had.   

One interesting thing I learned is that there has been a withdrawal from the seed bank. During a war in Syria, their seed bank was threatened.  They sent seeds to the Norway vault.  Later, they withdrew seeds which are growing and producing well.  

I was surprised to learn that there are 1700 seed banks all over the world, and I wondered where the nearest one was to me.  My state - Washington - has one in Seattle at the University of Seattle. Take a look and see where your nearest seed bank is.   

Amazon says that this book is for Kindergarteners through 3rd grade.  I am sure they would enjoy it, but I read it to my 5th and 6th grade classes and they were fascinated so I added those grades to the list.   

Reviewed by Audrey Campbell, MED

Reading Specialist and Library Media Center Director

Valley Adventist Schools, Rogers Campus

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