The Apple Pie Tree

Some folks swear by The Apple Pie Tree (c. 1996) by Zoe Hall and illustrated by Shari Halpern.  We think it's a cute book, but we're not exactly turning cartwheels over it.  Two siblings watch the growth of an apple tree and its nesting robin family through the progression of the seasons.  Come fall, they pick the apples to bake an apple pie.  The younger set seems to particularly enjoy this simple sequencing story.  It's a good precursor to visiting the apple orchard or baking an apple pie with your toddler/preschooler.

Pumpkins!

How many books have you read that have instantly drawn you in by the dedication?  Personally, I can think of only one.  Pumpkin Moonshine's charm begins with Tasha Tudor's dedication: A Wee Story for A Very Sweet Wee Person.  Tudor writes and illustrates this winsome and subtly humorous story about Sylvie Ann's visit to her grandparents' farm, complete with pumpkin hunt, runaway pumpkin, and jack-o-lantern carving.  This is one of my all time favorite stories because it begs to be read aloud, attributable to its alliterative and onomatopoeic words.  The kids listen to it mesmerized by the quaint and lively narrative.  Make sure to look for Wiggy the dog throughout the illustrations!

Here are a few more pumpkin books to check out:

• It's Pumpkin Time! by Zoe Hall ~ explains the growth cycle of a "jack-o-lantern patch" in story format from two siblings' point of view.  You'll remember this author also penning The Apple Pie Tree.   Note: also available in Spanish.

• From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer ~ excellently explains the life cycle of a pumpkin in easily understood language.

• The Pumpkin Patch by Elizabeth Kind ~ a photographic narrative a farmer's year in the pumpkin patch.

• A Day at the Pumpkin Patch by Megan Faulkner & Adam Krawesky ~ photographically chronicles a day at the pumpkin patch and the life cycle of pumpkins.  Note: a Scholastic book.

Apples Again

Have you been checking out apple books yet?  Please weigh in, commenting on your favorites!

We've found a few more that I'd like to share with you:

Apple Cider Making Days by Ann Purmell beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between the apple orchard farmer and his/her orchard.  Purmell thoroughly details the process of taking an apple to make cider.  I also love that this book subtly and overtly promotes families and extended families coming together to help one another and enjoy the beauty of the season!

The Life Cycle of an Apple by Ruth Thompson gives a simple explanation of the life cycle of an apple from seed to tree to table.  I'd recommend reading it to a child as young as 2 years due to the short and simple explanations and the accompanying pictures. 

Apples by Ken Robbins also explains the growth process of an apple.  However, Robbins gives a little more wordy text more suitable for an older 4 year old or 5 year old and up.  Robbins' thorough information satisfies the inquisitive child.  Note: this is a Scholastic book, too. 

Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall tells the apple growth process in story fashion, perfect for slipping science to young children who prefer stories.  I'd recommend 2-3 years of age and up.  Note: another Scholastic book.

We've also read a few beginning to read books of Johnny Appleseed.