What's
So Terrible About Swallowing an Apple Seed?
When little Rosie accidentally swallows an apple seed, her big sister
Katie loses no time in telling her that soon apple tree branches will
be blossoming out of her ears. Based on a real incident from their
childhood, Harriet Lerner and her sister Susan Goldhor bring us a
zany and poignant story about the joys and hazards of straying from
the truth. Delightfully playful pictures by Catharine O'Neill enliven
this special story about the power of suggestion, imagination and
forgiveness. What's So Terrible About Swallowing an Apple Seed?
is an American Booksellers pick of the list award.(For readers age
4-7)
Reviews
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.
|
