From A Small Seed: the story of Eliza Hamilton. Written by Camille Andros and illustrated by Tessa Blackham. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2019 $25.99 ages 7 and up

"Every day Eliza saw the same
little boy as she rode by.
An orphan.
A child with no parents.
No one to tuck his covers in tight.
No one to kiss his scraped knees.
No one to softly sing him lullabies.
Eliza shared what she had
but wanted to do more.
Then the boy was gone.
The stoop was empty.
And the carriage rolled on."

Eliza Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton and mother to eight children, would never forget the lonely boy she had seen as a young, privileged girl riding past the orphanage in her family's carriage. For the rest of her life, she showed her charitable character and her compassion for others.

I knew little about Alexander Hamilton until his story was told in the Broadway production. The publicity that it got must have led others to want to know more about him, as it did for me. In anything that I did read, I did not learn much about his wife. This admirable and well-written picture book biography taught me a lot about her, and I am happy to have read her story.

The lyrical language, along with its repeated references to planted seeds and trees, make it a lovely read aloud for elementary children. It gives them perspective on a historical time period, and offers a a look at a life well-lived in service to others.

Ms. Andros begins when Eliza was a child, showing her home environment and allowing that she had a very secure and happy childhood. She spent her days happily, and with abandon. When she saw the orphan boy each time her carriage passed, she was pressed to do more. She knew how blessed her life was, and wanted to share what she could with him. As she grew and matured, she found love with another orphan, her future husband.

"They believed in fairness, freedom, and faith.
Passion, persistence, and perseverance.
They helped found a new nation."

Following her husband's death, Eliza continued to show understanding for the plight of many. Her life was given to making things better for orphaned children. She never forgot the impact of seeing that little lonesome boy so long ago. Eliza made a difference for  the rest of her life. She died peacefully at 97, and is a remarkable example for all.

A note from both author and artist are included in back matter, as well a bibliography.