From Apple Trees to Cider, Please!

August 3, 2015
A mother and daughter go apple picking in a sprawling orchard, “past dappled leaves and through the loud/ and happy apple-picking crowd.” Chernesky (Sun Above and Blooms Below) describes the process of turning apples into cider: cleaning them, dropping them in the shredder, and cranking the press (“Twist and press to squish and mash./ See the cider splish and splash!”). The bustling orchard hosts seasonal fixtures like pumpkin-headed scarecrows, tractor rides, and treats like cider doughnuts and fritters, which are sampled by the orchard’s other high-spirited guests. Chernesky’s playfully chirrupy rhymes and Patton’s (PB&J Hooray) exuberant cartooning deliver a juicy taste of a quintessential autumnal experience. Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Susan Hawk, Bent Agency. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Agency.

July 15, 2015
This visit to an apple farm is lots of fun for both the redheaded tyke who narrates and readers, who will learn how apple cider is made. With her mother, the little girl picks a mixture of apples (the trees are nicely labeled) to take to the mill to be pressed for cider. First the apples are washed and checked for worms, then they ride a conveyor belt to the shredder. The apple mush is then put in the press and the crank is turned. A turn of the tap fills the jug with fresh apple cider. But their trip isn't over yet: the little girl convinces her mom to stay for a festival at the orchard, where there are apple treats of all kinds. Chernesky uses some wonky structures and line breaks to suit the rhyme scheme, though the rollicking rhythm doesn't falter: "Wow! Our wagon's apple full. / Mom, let's roll! I'll help you pull... // ...past dappled leaves and through the loud / and happy apple-picking crowd." Patton's illustrations appear to be digital, and they are busy and full of fall colors. In addition to the redheaded pair, the pictures also show a dark-haired, light-brown-skinned dad with his two sons and daughter. Mouths will water for apple cider, and a trip to the local orchard is surely in order. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-As she did with the delightful Pick a Circle, Gather Squares (Albert Whitman, 2013), Chernesky has taken a familiar subject and given it a fresh presentation. A little girl and her mother have gone apple picking. The rhyming couplets flow smoothly ("Reaching up we take our pick, /twist and pluck them. That's the trick.") and include lovely verbal images. The book proceeds from the apple-picking process to cider-making and ends with an apple festival. While Chernesky captures the enthusiasm of this fun fall activity in words, Patton captures it with her energetic digital cartoon illustrations as well. The pictures include details to pore over and engage the eye without being overly busy. In addition, a wealth of information, such as the names of various apples and the appearance of an actual cider press, is provided in the artwork. VERDICT Even if you are awash in apple books, this title will be an attractive and useful addition.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.