FROM APPLE TREES TO CIDER, PLEASE!

This visit to an apple farm is lots of fun for both the redheaded tyke who narrates and readers, who will learn how apple cider is made.

With her mother, the little girl picks a mixture of apples (the trees are nicely labeled) to take to the mill to be pressed for cider. First the apples are washed and checked for worms, then they ride a conveyor belt to the shredder. The apple mush is then put in the press and the crank is turned. A turn of the tap fills the jug with fresh apple cider. But their trip isn’t over yet: the little girl convinces her mom to stay for a festival at the orchard, where there are apple treats of all kinds. Chernesky uses some wonky structures and line breaks to suit the rhyme scheme, though the rollicking rhythm doesn’t falter: “Wow! Our wagon’s apple full. / Mom, let’s roll! I’ll help you pull... // …past dappled leaves and through the loud / and happy apple-picking crowd.” Patton’s illustrations appear to be digital, and they are busy and full of fall colors. In addition to the redheaded pair, the pictures also show a dark-haired, light-brown–skinned dad with his two sons and daughter.

Mouths will water for apple cider, and a trip to the local orchard is surely in order.