Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Written by Megan Clendenan | Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

Deep beneath the Arctic landscape lies one of the world's most important collections: the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book introduces readers to the remarkable effort to preserve seeds from around the world, protecting biodiversity and ensuring future generations have access to the plants that sustain life.

Through engaging storytelling and stunning artwork, readers discover how scientists, farmers, and communities work together to safeguard our shared future.

Megan Clendenan

Megan Clendenan writes picture books for children. Just in Case was awarded the 2026 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Children. As a children’s book author, she loves writing nonfiction that explores the connections between history, society, and the environment. She is the author of three middle-grade nonfiction books, including Design Like Nature: Biomimicry for a Healthy Planet, which earned a starred review from School Library Journal, Fresh Air, Clean Water: Our Right to a Healthy Environment, and Cities: How Humans Live Together, and has several upcoming books under contract.

Brittany Cicchese

Brittany Cicchese is an artist and writer residing in Denver. She is a DCSD alumna who graduated from Highlands Ranch High School in 2005. She enjoys capturing emotion from expressive portraits to moody illustrations. When she is not sketching or writing, she can be found working at the library, hiking, or spending time with her family.