Johnny Appleseed

Lindbergh, Reeve

ISBN 10: 0316526185 ISBN 13: 9780316526180

Publisher: Little Brown & Co, 1990

Synopsis

Rhymed text and illustrations relate the life of John Chapman, whose distribution of apple seeds and trees across the Midwest made him a legend and left a legacy still enjoyed today.

About this title

Reviews

This homespun book provides the perfect vehicle for the story of the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Lindbergh's poetic narrative, related by an elderly woman to her grandchildren, tells the story of John Chapman's life and travels, including tidbits referring to his kindness and piety, his nonviolence and bravery, and his respect for all living things. Grandmother Hannah's tale, simply told, holds the power to mist readers' eyes. Finely crafted folk art illustrations, painted on canvas and overflowing with tiny details, complement quilt pattern borders on the facing pages of text. Small panels within these borders show vignettes of Chapman's life and legacy. The full-page illustrations embellish Hannah's story and provide a clear glimpse of life on the frontier during the early 1800s. The book includes a short introduction and a page of factual information at the end. A map on the endpapers shows the states through which Chapman travelled. Steven Kellogg's Johnny Appleseed (Morrow, 1988) is more of a compilation of lore about Chapman's bravery and great feats of strength, while Lindbergh's quiet tale emphasizes the man's true religious nature. It's a treasure. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

There is no lack of books about Jon Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, but this is an outstanding addition to the collection. Lindbergh's ( The Midnight Farm ; Benjamin's Barn ) poem tells the story of one man's crusade to spread apple seeds from Massachusetts to the Midwest. Jakobsen's captivating illustrations, rendered in deep tones of rustic blues, browns and golds, are reminiscent of detailed folk art paintings as they depict Johnny on the road, planting and harvesting, talking with settlers. On facing pages borders fashioned like patchwork quilt squares enrich the tale with their minute details. Too many versions of the Johnny Appleseed legend make him into a superhero; this work shows him as a gentle, religious man on a mission, a lover of the land with a consuming interest in the environment. Ages 4-9.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Little Brown & Co
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0316526185
• ISBN 13: 9780316526180
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32