“Apples A to Z,” by Margaret McNamara and Jake Parker, Scholastic, Aug. 1, 2012, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3 and up)
Did you know that every year about 68 million tons of apples are harvested? Or that apple leaves are oval shaped, with small points? How about apple trees can grow to be 100 years old?
These fun apple facts and many more can be found in “Apples A to Z.”
With the help of Fox, Bear and their friends, young readers make their way through the alphabet with simple statements like “C is for Cider” followed by more detailed information, “Bear makes cider by pressing apples — skins, seeds, and all — into a cloudy, pulpy juice. Cider can be served hot or cold.” This mix of text helps make the book interesting for young and older readers alike.
At the end of the book is a list of apple activities, a quick snapshot of Johnny Appleseed, apple fun and apple jokes. Tie everything together with charming illustrations, and you’ve got a crisp, juicy book just ripe for the picking.
