Johnny Appleseed
Author: Rosemary & Stephen Vincent Benet
Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2001
25 Pages
Poetry
I chose this book vecause I have always loved this story. I thought it would be too old to use, but then when I saw a newer cover and I opened it to find out a newer copyright date and the rhyme scheme let it fit into the poetry genre, I was very excitied.This story tells of a nomadic man named Johnathan Chapman who traveled all over planting apple trees for everyone. He was a seemingly humble man who simply wanted to give something that would stay around and keep giving. Wherever he traveled the people welcomed him. It is said that he never wore a hat, he simply wore a pot on his head. He was never overly famous, just remembered for his generosity.
The illustrations in this book were drawn in colored pencil. The nature within the illustrations are extremely accurate and lifelike. For example, the way Schnidler drew the apples with red tops and yellow bottoms truly depicts the way apples really ripen. The details and shadowing on the trees and leaves are awesome. The ilustrator does a great job at depicting the clothes and facial features of the characters.
This book is appropriate for any age. Kindergarteners and older students alike would enjoy this classic folktale. Most people have already heard of Johnny Appleseed, but many would benefit by hearing it in a poetic way. I could think of a couple of connections to make with this book. One connection might be in social studies and how settlers started building the environments (Indiana and Ohio are mentioned in this book). This book would also be a good read aloud addition to a science unit about the different types of trees and the fruits they produce. This book has no awards or honors.
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