Reviewed by Heidi Bee Roemer
Book Source: We would like to thank the author, Jill Esbaum, for providing a copy of this book for review.
“An apple a day…” is what they say! But have you ever wondered where apples came from and how they grow? Apples for Everyone, the fifth title in National Geographic’s Picture the Seasons series, offers a basic introduction to the life cycle of an apple, from blossom to bud to ripened fruit. Readers will also learn a few historical tidbits and practical uses of the famed seasonal fruit. Thanks to the early colonists and a pioneer nicknamed Johnny Appleseed, apple trees have been growing in America for hundreds of years—and for good reason. Crisp, crunchy apples are one of autumn’s most tantalizing treats! Young readers may be surprised to learn that Americans eat more apples than any other fruit. Beautiful full-color photographs compare apples of various colors and shapes: red, yellow, green, stripped, spotted, round and lumpy. Cut one open, and you’ll see seeds snuggled in its star-shaped center. Ripened apples that fall to the ground will eventually rot and enrich the soil.
In addition to capturing the wonder of the maturing apple, lively, lyrical text and gorgeous glossy photographs highlight the ap-peel-ing sensory delights of juicy apple-eating. Apples may be enjoyed in many different “apple-icious” ways: plucked fresh from the tree, dipped in caramel, baked in pies, cooked into applesauce or crushed to make hot apple cider. Yum!
Informative, visual, and engaging, Apples for Everyone, is the perfect selection for primary students and serves as an excellent addition to the science curriculum. Check out the other seasonal/nature books in this popular series:
· APPLES FOR EVERYONE
· SEED, SPROUT, PUMPKIN PIE
· A TREE FOR ALL SEASONS
· INSECTS
· PILGRIMS OF PLYMOUTH
“An apple a day…” is what they say! But have you ever wondered where apples came from and how they grow? Apples for Everyone, the fifth title in National Geographic’s Picture the Seasons series, offers a basic introduction to the life cycle of an apple, from blossom to bud to ripened fruit. Readers will also learn a few historical tidbits and practical uses of the famed seasonal fruit. Thanks to the early colonists and a pioneer nicknamed Johnny Appleseed, apple trees have been growing in America for hundreds of years—and for good reason. Crisp, crunchy apples are one of autumn’s most tantalizing treats! Young readers may be surprised to learn that Americans eat more apples than any other fruit. Beautiful full-color photographs compare apples of various colors and shapes: red, yellow, green, stripped, spotted, round and lumpy. Cut one open, and you’ll see seeds snuggled in its star-shaped center. Ripened apples that fall to the ground will eventually rot and enrich the soil.
In addition to capturing the wonder of the maturing apple, lively, lyrical text and gorgeous glossy photographs highlight the ap-peel-ing sensory delights of juicy apple-eating. Apples may be enjoyed in many different “apple-icious” ways: plucked fresh from the tree, dipped in caramel, baked in pies, cooked into applesauce or crushed to make hot apple cider. Yum!
Informative, visual, and engaging, Apples for Everyone, is the perfect selection for primary students and serves as an excellent addition to the science curriculum. Check out the other seasonal/nature books in this popular series:
· APPLES FOR EVERYONE
· SEED, SPROUT, PUMPKIN PIE
· A TREE FOR ALL SEASONS
· INSECTS
· PILGRIMS OF PLYMOUTH
Laura Crawford conducted an email interview with author, Jill Esbaum:
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I live on a working farm in eastern Iowa. I’ve been writing for kids for thirteen years and am the author of seven picture books and numerous magazine pieces. Four more picture books are in the pipeline, and I'm just beginning to market a chapter book (fingers crossed). You can read more than you’d ever want to know about me on my website, http://www.jillesbaum.com/
When National Geographic Kids asked me to author their Picture the Seasons series, I jumped at the chance, partly because it was National Geographic (!), and partly because I’m a big nonfiction fan and was happy to be published in that genre.
WHERE DO YOUR IDEAS FOR NONFICTION COME FROM?
Nonfiction ideas zing me randomly. For instance, last July I was reading a conservation magazine in my dentist’s waiting room when I came upon the short and fascinating biography of an Iowa artist I’d never heard of before. His story – and his unique, never-duplicated artwork – gave me goosebumps, which seemed like a good sign. I’ve begun researching his life for a picture book biography. When it comes to the Nat Geo books, they pick the topic. Then I get to research, which I thoroughly enjoy, and write.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE HARDEST PART ABOUT WRITING?
Beating procrastination. It’s much easier to think about writing than actualy sit down and do it.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST FACT YOU HAVE LEARNED?
I was always taught that Johnny Appleseed planted seeds far and wide so that other settlers would have apples to eat. Nope. He planted them so people would have fruit from which to make hard (alcoholic) cider.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST WORK.
The third book in the Picture the Seasons series, Everything Spring, will be released in early February. It’s more poetic than Apples for Everyone and Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie, so I’m eager to see how that goes over. Meanwhile, I’m working on the fourth book, Winter Wonderland. I took notes on blustery days last winter, and I’m enjoying revisiting those icy times from the warmth of my office.
This post is part of the Nonfiction Monday Round-Up hosted this week by Rasco from RIF blog.
Those sound like excellent books to learn from! They'd make great teacher gifts to add to their classroom library!
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