Johnny Appleseed

by Reeve Lindbergh Narrated by Mary McDonnell

Overview

John Chapman was his real name, but almost everyone remembers him by his legendary name - Johnny Appleseed - the man who sprinkled apple seeds and planted trees all across the Midwest. His legacy remains strong today - not only for his botanical achievements, but also for the stories that he shared with children, presented here at their very best in verse and art.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

There is no lack of books about Jon Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, but this is an outstanding addition to the collection. Lindbergh's ( The Midnight Farm ; Benjamin's Barn ) poem tells the story of one man's crusade to spread apple seeds from Massachusetts to the Midwest. Jakobsen's captivating illustrations, rendered in deep tones of rustic blues, browns and golds, are reminiscent of detailed folk art paintings as they depict Johnny on the road, planting and harvesting, talking with settlers. On facing pages borders fashioned like patchwork quilt squares enrich the tale with their minute details. Too many versions of the Johnny Appleseed legend make him into a superhero; this work shows him as a gentle, religious man on a mission, a lover of the land with a consuming interest in the environment. Ages 4-9. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

This homespun book provides the perfect vehicle for the story of the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Lindbergh's poetic narrative, related by an elderly woman to her grandchildren, tells the story of John Chapman's life and travels, including tidbits referring to his kindness and piety, his nonviolence and bravery, and his respect for all living things. Grandmother Hannah's tale, simply told, holds the power to mist readers' eyes. Finely crafted folk art illustrations, painted on canvas and overflowing with tiny details, complement quilt pattern borders on the facing pages of text. Small panels within these borders show vignettes of Chapman's life and legacy. The full-page illustrations embellish Hannah's story and provide a clear glimpse of life on the frontier during the early 1800s. The book includes a short introduction and a page of factual information at the end. A map on the endpapers shows the states through which Chapman travelled. Steven Kellogg's Johnny Appleseed (Morrow, 1988) is more of a compilation of lore about Chapman's bravery and great feats of strength, while Lindbergh's quiet tale emphasizes the man's true religious nature. It's a treasure. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

From the Publisher

A Booklist Editor's Choice
A Redbook Children Picture Book Award Winner

* "A glorious celebration of John Chapman's life through verse and illustration."—Horn Book, starred review

* "An eye-catching book."—Booklist, starred review

* "It's a treasure."—School Library Journal, starred review

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170904792
Publisher:	Weston Woods
Publication date:	01/01/2000
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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