The Story of Johnny Appleseed

Not having a correct informational background on this particular folkhero; I can only assume that the facts gathered are correct. The story is written very well; and the illustrations are nicely done. The story gives facts in an easy to understand and enjoyable fashion.

Who knew? I picked up "The Story of Johnny Appleseed" at the library on a whim, and my children (boy and girl; 3 and 5) love it. Normally we just read regular children's' fair (fairytales, Thomas stories) and I wasn't sure how this 'biography' would go over but they simple adore it. My 3 yo even wants to go as Johnny for Halloween. Perhaps it is the friendly drawings, or perhaps it is Aliki's way with words, but I couldn't be more pleased at being able to introduce some Americana into their lives. Five Stars. A 'just right' dose of American myth and legend that young children can absorb and appreciate.

Johnny Appleseed is of course a classic American tale of the spreading of apple trees by one very simple and peaceful man who got along with everybody he met. Whether the story is true or not does matter. It still tells about the American frontierland in Colonial days. Johnny Appleseed has become a model of American Patriotism and good will. Aliki has done a nice job of bringing him to life again while keeping the text simple enough so that mid-year first graders should be able to start on this book. The illustrations are oil pastel and tell what they need to without being too busy. They are well matched to the text and, like many books of its day, alternates between color and black-and-white illustrations. This is a nice edition that children will be able to read and learn an American Tall Tale at the same time.Why 5 stars?:This book is on a level that most children will be able to read in kindergarten and first grade. The illustrations allow them to use their imaginations. The story is a great introduction to the genre of Tall Tales.

Loved this book! My son, who is a first grader, enjoyed the story and the illustrations. Very sweet message about how Johnny Appleseed expressed his kindness and love of mankind by sharing and spreading his appleseeds throughout the country. Very easy to read and had just the right amount of pages so that my son completed story in two readings(could have been done in one) which gave him a sense of accomplishment!