Saturday, October 5, 2013

Review - The Apple Orchard Riddle


Title: The Apple Orchard Riddle
Author: Margaret McNamara
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (July 9, 2013)
Format: Hardcover; Pgs 40
Genre: Children’s
Source: Library
Ages: 4 – 8; Preschool to 3rd

I love when books can teach a lesson. Not just character building but occasionally you come across a book that includes a little more thought and maybe a little science too.

Mr. Tiffin is taking his class on a field trip to an apple orchard. He has tasked his class with solving a riddle, “Show me a little red house with no windows and no door, but with a star inside”.

As the young class learns about apples varieties and picking and then later on to pressing and cider making, Tara is deep in thought. The classroom daydreamer that seems to try the patience of the overachievers, Tara has taken Mr. Tiffin’s riddle to heart and with each new experience, she is turning over Mr. Tiffin’s words until she has solved the riddle.

This is a great book for teachers to add to their shelves. Each fall as they head back to school and ponder how to incorporate science and art, they can read this book and then have the students make apple prints to show off the stars.

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