This children's poetry book that uses verse rhymes was paired with naive art styled illustrations. The pictures throughout the book add to the fun use of word play listed on each page. Readers can see the number of apples on the apple tree diminishing with each new animal that comes along, on to the animals that pile up on the right side of the page.
What makes this story so fun is its sophisticated and well organized word play that is used through the character of the farmer. The plot continuously moves along to the point you are left asking: "Will there be any apples left for the farmer?" It is clear to see that children would become engaged in this book because of the fun verse rhymes.
Teachers should read this story to students between preschool and 3rd grade. Children will enjoy the acrylic illustrations throughout the book as well as the storyline that involves counting apples off of a tree. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What do you think will happen next? Which animal do you think will eat an apple next? Do you think any apples will be left for the farmer? Why or why not? What is the message of this story? What did the story mean to you?
Class activities:
1. Explore the five senses using an apple. What does an apple look like, taste like, feel like, smell like, sound like? Make a classroom chart to organize each student's interpretation.
2. Make an apple tree out of construction paper, tissue paper, etc.
3. Make stained glass apples with tissue paper, glue, scissors, etc.
This is a media version of Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins:
I think this book is very beneficial for the classroom and the home too! Children will love Ten Red Apples as well as these other books written by Pat Hutchins:
- Don't Forget the Bacon!
- Titch
- The Wind Blew
To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks. ~A.A. Milne
References:
Hutchins, Pat. Ten Red Apples. Singapore: Greenwillow Books, 2000. Book.
Your blog is beautiful! A few other activities that could go along with this is following the farmer theme of the book. Have the kids dig out the seeds of the apple and teach them how to plant it. Explain that it takes time and dedication for a beautiful apple tree to grow. Another idea would be to do a class demonstration of how to make apple sauce, apple butter or candy apple/caramel apple. Bring in a print out of the recipes for the kids to bring home and make with their parents.
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