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Overview
In Deborah Turney Zagwyn's distinctive world, the countryside is awash in color, and the seasons set the rhythm for life. This is the parallel story of mother Loretta and son Delmore. While Loretta works patiently to coax the first apples from her small orchard, Delmore ardently practices his swing, wanting only to hit a baseball "fair and true." The poetic text and radiant watercolors effortlessly reveal how sweet are the fruits of perseverance, and that one of love's best rewards is striving, side by side.Educators, please visit our Resources section, above, for teaching guides and curricula.Because of their persistence, Delmore succeeds in learning how to hit a baseball and his mother Loretta succeeds in growing apples.
Editorials
Children's Literature -
A twin tale of frustration and perseverance--over one spring, summer, and fall, Loretta tries to grow apples, while her son Delmore tries to improve his batting. They both work hard, suffer setbacks, and ultimately triumph--Delmore's best hit knocks Loretta's last apple right off the tree, but she celebrates his success and the next year her trees yield more apples. The characters are likable, but the book lacks coherence; apples-growing and baseball don't seem to have much in common and the author's efforts to link them often seem awkward and wooden. The illustrations are a strong point; colorful and mellow, with close-ups of apples, baseballs, and the family's ever-present dog.Library Journal
K-Gr 3-A story of perseverance and optimism that's as American as baseball and apple pie. Loretta loves apples and longs to grow them, and her son Delmore loves baseball and dreams of becoming a hitter. The woman has grown many things but never an apple, and the boy can throw and catch but has never hit anything but fouls. Five years have passed since Loretta planted three apple trees, "One for the past, one for the present, and one for the future." Though she has cared for them faithfully, this is the first year they have born fruit. Likewise, her son has persisted in his attempts to become a great hitter. This lighthearted tale gives equal weight to both goals and reveals the parallels in their attainment. With pictures of a spiral-peeled baseball and an apple in a baseball glove, as well as with wordplay, Zagwyn has created a wonderful read-aloud. Assorted in shape and size, the expressive watercolor illustrations depict the warmth between a mother and son who respect one another's ambitions. As a bonus, batting pointers and a recipe for apple crumble are appended. A gentle tale of joy in accomplishment.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.Book Details
Published
June 18, 2001
Publisher
Ten Speed Press
Pages
32
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9781883672928