Books About Apples for Elementary Students: Recommendations and Reviews

The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara

The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara: This early chapter book follows a group of friends as they try to solve a riddle about an apple orchard. It’s a fun and engaging mystery that can help students develop critical thinking skills.

Along the way, they learn about the science of how apples grow and the history of apple cultivation in America. This book is a great way for students to learn about the natural world while also developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg

Another popular book for older elementary students is “Johnny Appleseed” by Steven Kellogg. This book tells the story of John Chapman, a real-life figure who planted apple trees across America in the early 19th century. Through this book, students can learn about the history of apple cultivation in America and the role that individuals like John Chapman played in shaping the country’s landscape.

Lillou – the Petit Chef by Laetitia Mariani

“Lillou – the Petit Chef” is a story that combines reading and cooking. Lillou and her friends plan a visit to the apple orchard. The day unfolds with the joy of apple picking, followed by eager anticipation to craft a traditional French Apple pie. However, their carefully laid plans take an unexpected turn when Pom, their furry companion, darts into the forest in pursuit of a rabbit. Undaunted, Lillou and her friends courageously venture into the woods, unraveling secrets and adding a sprinkle of suspense and spookiness to their adventure.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson

“The Apple Pie That Papa Baked” is a delightful children’s picture book written by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Jonathan Bean. The story unfolds in a cumulative, rhythmic pattern, reminiscent of “The House That Jack Built.” It follows the creation of an apple pie, tracing the journey from the apple tree to the finished dessert.

The charming illustrations by Jonathan Bean complement the text, capturing the warmth and coziness of the baking experience. The book not only celebrates the joy of baking but also emphasizes the connections between family, nature, and the simple pleasures of life.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This classic tale tells the story of a boy and a tree that gives him everything it has, including its apples. It’s a poignant story that can help students learn about the value of generosity and the importance of taking care of the world around us. Readers of all grades enjoy the story.

Apple Picking Time by Michele Benoit Slawson

“Apple Picking Time,” written by Michele Benoit Slawson and illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray, captures the excitement and tradition of apple picking in the fall season.

Set on an apple orchard, the book follows a young girl and her family as they prepare for the annual apple harvest. The narrative unfolds with the changing of the seasons, signaling the arrival of autumn. As the days grow cooler, the family dons warm clothing and heads to the orchard for the much-anticipated apple picking.

The book not only captures the sensory delights of the season, such as the aroma of ripe apples and the crunch of fallen leaves but also emphasizes the sense of community and the joy of coming together for a shared activity. “Apple Picking Time” is a heartwarming celebration of fall traditions and the simple pleasures of harvesting nature’s bounty.

Bad Apple by Edward Hemingway

“Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship” is a heartfelt children’s book written and illustrated by Edward Hemingway. The story revolves around a character named Mac, who happens to be a good apple, and his encounter with an apple named Will, who is perceived as a “bad apple.”

As the story unfolds, Mac befriends Will despite the warnings and concerns of the other apples in the orchard. The narrative explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of positive relationships. Through Mac’s unwavering friendship, Will begins to change, illustrating the idea that kindness and understanding can influence personal growth.

Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson

This picture book tells the true story of a family who traveled from Iowa to Oregon with a wagon full of apple trees. Along the way, they faced many challenges, but ultimately succeeded in starting a new life. It’s a great way to teach students about the history of apples in America.

The Life and Times of the Apple by Charles Micucci

This informative book provides a detailed look at the science and history of apples. It covers everything from the anatomy of an apple to the different varieties of apples grown around the world. It’s a great resource for students who want to learn more about the fruit.

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

“The Apple Pie Tree,” a picture book written by Zoe Hall and illustrated by Shari Halpern, revolves around the changing seasons of an apple tree and the process of making an apple pie.

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of two young sisters who observe the apple tree in their backyard. The tree undergoes various transformations throughout the seasons, from the blossoming of flowers in spring to the growth of tiny green apples in summer, and finally, the ripening of red apples in fall. The girls watch as the apples are picked and taken indoors to be turned into a delicious apple pie.

Apples by Gail Gibbons

“Apples” by Gail Gibbons is an engaging and informative children’s book that explores the life cycle of apples, from blossom to harvest. The book provides a comprehensive overview of apples, covering topics such as different apple varieties, their growth process, and their uses.

Through clear and colorful illustrations, Gail Gibbons takes young readers on a journey from the planting of apple seeds to the development of apple trees and the blooming of apple blossoms. The book explains the pollination process and the formation of apples as the blossoms transform into fruit. Gibbons also highlights the role of bees in this process.

How to Apples Grow by Betsy Maestro

“How Do Apples Grow?” by Betsy Maestro is an informative and engaging children’s book that takes young readers on a journey to discover the life cycle of apples. The book uses clear and accessible language along with vivid illustrations to explain the fascinating process of how apples grow from blossoms to fruit.

The narrative begins with the description of an apple tree in an orchard, highlighting the changing seasons and the various stages of growth that apples undergo. Readers learn about the importance of pollination, as bees play a crucial role in transferring pollen from one blossom to another, leading to the formation of apples.

Betsy Maestro skillfully explains the concept of photosynthesis, the process by which apple trees convert sunlight into energy, contributing to the development of the fruit. The book also touches upon the different varieties of apples and their unique characteristics.

As a teacher for older students, I used to feel envious of the engaging thematic activities in lower grades. While they explored topics like Fall, apples, and pumpkins, we delved into social studies and science. Occasionally, I wished for a break to learn about apples too. That’s why I developed these Apple Lesson Plans, which offer informative articles and comprehension activities tailored for third to fifth graders. These resources aim to deepen students’ understanding of concepts and scientific ideas related to apples.

Included are six reading passages that span content areas as well as four sets of math word problems. There are apple activities for each reading passage as well as comprehension question and vocabulary activities. It’s packed full of thematic and academic resources for an upper elementary study all about apples.