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Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John Appleseed Chapman by Lynne Rae Perkins, Esmé Raji Codell
beecheralyson's review
4.0
Most of the time I think of Johnny Appleseed as some kind of folktale/legend. Codell focuses more on the life of John Chapman and what kind of legacy he left behind. She also focuses on 5 "footsteps" that he left - which are repeated and expanded upon in the book. The end notes are particularly helpful and though the book will be released in time for Johnny Appleseed's birthday on September 26th - this one is also relevant for earth day celebrations.
tashrow's review
5.0
Two modern children are transported back in time from the busy highways filled with cars to the quiet woods of the late 1700s. From there, the story of Johnny Appleseed, really named John Chapman, is told. The differences between the world back then and our modern world are explored. Then the way of life that Johnny Appleseed embraced that of using what you have, respecting nature, sharing, making peace, and reaching your destination in small steps is tied back to how important those things are still for us today. His planting of seeds changed the landscape of our country. The book ends asking what seed you will plant.
Codell writes with a wonderful lyricism paired with a directness. It makes for a book that is straight-forward but also written with care to create a specific mood. Chapman’s story is filled with legend, especially in his relationship with nature and animals. While some of it may be tall tales, it contributes to the wonder that surrounds this man. Codell made a choice to have some of that in her book and it works very well, distinctly noted as legend rather than fact.
Perkins’ illustrations vary from page to page. Most of the art is done in watercolor and gouache, creating bright colored images that embrace the natural and feel clear and crisp. Other pages incorporate burlap bags and needlework. It’s a clever use of materials of the period that really add another dimension to the illustrations.
A beautiful look at a man who stand for much of what we are seeking in modern society. This book reaches beyond the legend and finds the real Johnny Appleseed. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
Codell writes with a wonderful lyricism paired with a directness. It makes for a book that is straight-forward but also written with care to create a specific mood. Chapman’s story is filled with legend, especially in his relationship with nature and animals. While some of it may be tall tales, it contributes to the wonder that surrounds this man. Codell made a choice to have some of that in her book and it works very well, distinctly noted as legend rather than fact.
Perkins’ illustrations vary from page to page. Most of the art is done in watercolor and gouache, creating bright colored images that embrace the natural and feel clear and crisp. Other pages incorporate burlap bags and needlework. It’s a clever use of materials of the period that really add another dimension to the illustrations.
A beautiful look at a man who stand for much of what we are seeking in modern society. This book reaches beyond the legend and finds the real Johnny Appleseed. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
4.0
Do we really need another book about Johnny Appleseed? In my primary library I have seventeen different books about Johnny Appleseed.
Now I have eighteen. And I am very happy with this new look at Johnny. Before I even saw the book, I knew I'd love it; how can you go wrong with a collaboration between the amazing Esme Raji Codell and the wonderful Lynne Rae Perkins?
This is a magnificent book. The story carries us from present day America into life at the time of John Chapman. We spend time with Chapman and come to know him by the legacy he left for us: use what you have, share what you have, respect nature, try to make peace where there is war, and you can reach your destination by taking small steps.
Beautiful.
Now I have eighteen. And I am very happy with this new look at Johnny. Before I even saw the book, I knew I'd love it; how can you go wrong with a collaboration between the amazing Esme Raji Codell and the wonderful Lynne Rae Perkins?
This is a magnificent book. The story carries us from present day America into life at the time of John Chapman. We spend time with Chapman and come to know him by the legacy he left for us: use what you have, share what you have, respect nature, try to make peace where there is war, and you can reach your destination by taking small steps.
Beautiful.
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