Johnny Appleseed Book

Explores the background, accomplishments, and stories of American folk hero Johnny Appleseed.

Children's Literature

Reeve Lindbergh has taken a story that we all know well and presented it in poetry. The poem is gorgeous with wonderful images and refrains and is accompanied by equally beautiful illustrations. Lindbergh frames the story nicely by introducing Hannah Goodwin who, as a child, meets Johnny Appleseed as he is setting off on his trek across the country to plant apple seeds. The story ends later with Hannah, as an adult, seeing him again on his last trip through her town. Johnny Appleseed's mission is a simple one of planting apples, sharp and sweet, across this country. His apples feed the settlers and help to make our country grow. In this version of his story, Johnny Appleseed says that no thanks were meant for him but to the Lord who made all things grow. This story of a gentle soul is well told by Mary McConnell, and the American primitive illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen suit the tale well. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette complete with extension activities. The video is closed-captioned, animated and 18 minutes in length. 2002 (orig. 1990), Little Brown/Weston Woods/Scholastic, $60.00. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig AGES: 5 6 7 8 9 10