From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2?Almost as well known as the story of the apple tree in the Garden of Eden is the childhood myth of swallowing an apple seed and having a tree grow in your stomach. Big sister Katie predicts irreversible consequences when Rosie accidentally swallows an apple seed. Rosie becomes more and more worried as Katie spins out her lie; she gives in to her own power needs and Rosie's worshipful gullibility. Life will never be the same again, as branches grow out of her ears, Rosie speculates, and "all she could be when she grew up was a hat rack." On the other hand, Katie kindly points out, apples would be plentiful, and branches could be decorated for birthdays. By the time the truth is out, Rosie misses her apple tree a little. Meanwhile, readers have had an imaginative journey of fantastic possibilities, aptly illustrated with airy, humorous paintings that are full of action. In addition to the theme of learning how to make one's own conclusions without relying only on others is the idea that change has both positive and negative possibilities. A lighthearted, honest celebration of the imagination.?Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
O'Neill's sunny illustrations abet Lerner and Goldhor's first children's book but can't hoist it aloft. Katie teases her little sister, Rosie, about the consequences of accidentally swallowing an apple seed: A tree will shortly take root in Rosie's stomach. Katie assures her the branches will grow out of her ears and get all the sunshine they need. Swearing the younger girl to secrecy, she carries the deception a step further by examining Katie's ears at night for incipient budding. Even when Rosie is sad and can't sleep, a guilt-stricken Katie, afraid to tell the truth, comes up with more elaborations on the lie to cheer her sister up. When Rosie reveals her secret to a friend, she learns the truth and confronts Katie, who blames the victim (``I can't help it if you believe everything I say!'') but is secretly relieved. Determinedly lighthearted in telling and pictures, the book feels superficial: Katie gets off the hook without any scrutiny of what is really a cruel and prolonged prank. For a sharper observance of truth and consequences, there's the Caldecott-winning classic by Evaline Ness, Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine. (Picture book. 4-8) --
Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
