From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2 The large type and sparse number of words per page target this book for a preschool/early primary grade audience, but even young readers will be disappointed. The story begins with grandfather giving his two grandchildren an apple tree. When spring comes, the tree bursts buds, then leaves and blossoms and finally, apples. The children plan to pick the fruit, but a hungry possum foils their plan by eating all the apples. Until the final three pages, the story is barely distinguishable from nonfiction and moves along at a predictable, unexciting pace. The ending is a surprisenot even subtle clues prepare readersand it abruptly changes the mood of the story. The watercolors add little to the text; except for the possum, the illustrations are flat and lifeless. Even though not strictly aimed at younger children, a better choice is McMillan's Apples, How They Grow (Houghton, 1979). It has accurate information, wonderful illustrations and arouses a feeling for the cycle of nature. The Apple Tree fails on all three counts. Barbara McGinn, Oak Hill School Media Center, Severna Park, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
