Full disclosure. Today’s post does not talk about a picture book.
At least not one in the classical sense.
I mean, I am blogging about a book, and it certainly has pictures, but it’s not a 32-page, full-color picture book.
But this book is so beautiful, I had to give it some love in a public forum. How beautiful is it? It’s so beautiful, I wish I’d written it myself.
Let’s start with the basics.
Title: Applesauce Weather
Author: Helen Frost
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Publisher: Candlewick Press
This 103-page book probably would be classified as a chapter book. But, it’s also a poetry book and an illustrated book and a can’t-put-it-down book.
It’s a collection of unrhymed poems told from the point of view of young Faith and Peter, their Uncle Arthur and their Aunt Lucy who has recently died.
Every year, when the weather turns crisp and the first apple falls from the family tree, Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lucy come to visit and help make applesauce. But now that Aunt Lucy has passed away, will Uncle Arthur still come? Peter isn’t so sure, but Faith — who is true to her name — is certain he will.
And he does.
And once Uncle Arthur arrives, he tells stories about apples and love and family that are full of light and truth. Along with stories that are the tallest of tales.
Which are which? Faith can’t tell. Peter thinks he knows, but he might be mistaken after all.
This is a book about family traditions and the rites of passage that connect one generation with the next. The language is simple and clear and beautiful. It’s a book you can read quickly, but one that you’ll want to linger over and savor. It’s a good book to read to yourself, and it would be a beautiful read-aloud choice.
Overall, one of the best books I’ve read in 2016. Celebrate the fall season and applesauce weather with this beauty.
Thank you for your review, Pat. This is an eloquent invitation and I look forward to savoring this book.
I love Helen Frost’s books! Thanks for highlighting this one for us, Pat.
I love Helen Frost’s books too! I have this on hold at the library & am so looking forward to reading it. Thanks for highlighting it, Pat!
The title and the cover draw me in. I love the idea of mixing truth together with tall tales. A delicious combination!
I LOVE this book. I also blogged about it after I read it. It’s just charming. Glad to see the word being spread.
Quite lovely, Jill…thank you so much for the heads up about this wonderful book…I will try to get a copy right away! I love books where conversation is encouraged. 😉 😉
Look like a wonderful book. I love the term “applesauce weather.” Thanks for sharing, Pat!
You’ve sold me! Can’t wait to read this one!
I cannot wait to get this one. I love the mixture of tall tales and family traditions mixed in one story.
Beautiful cover, eye-catching title and I’m wondering if we have it down under. Will definitely check it out.
I just got this one from the library. Eager to read it now!
I *just* read AMONG A THOUSAND FIREFLIES last week — amazing, all that she did within it…
Am a bit nuts about Tall Tales (and made Apple butter in a huge cauldron with everyone on our lane each fall as a child), so am looking forward to this — thanks for the rec.
Helen Frost. Who needs any more encouragement to read this?!!
I’m really excited to read this! Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for sharing about this, Pat, I can’t wait to read it — it looks beautiful and inspiring!
I’m so happy to have found this book on my library’s shelf. Thanks for sharing it with the world. 🙂