The Apple Orchard

Children's Literature

Part of the "A Visit to . . ." series, this early-reader nonfiction picture book walks the reader through a visit to an apple orchard. All aspects of apple production are explored from the fact apples grow on trees to customers buying apples to take home and eat. Every page contains a full photograph illustrating the text. Each word has been carefully chosen specifically for first time readers. Key words are also repeated to maximize the readers' learning. All hard words can be found in the glossary although some adult assistance may be needed to read these words and to use the index and the Read More section of the book. Meant as a supplement for social studies curriculums, the book explores the process of getting apples and other goods to the marketplace. The book is divided into chapters with a table of contents so that the readers feel like they are reading a "real" nonfiction book. However, because of the constraints placed on the text by the readers' limited vocabulary, the book necessarily gives a very simplistic view of apple production. In addition, the photos only illustrate the text without providing the readers with more information or additional topics for discussion. 2005, Capstone Press, Ages 5 to 7.
—Madeline Smoot