Apples for Everyone by Jill Esbaum (ages 4 and up) is a wonderful, educational book to include in your home library. I was immediately attracted to this particular book because of the photographs (it’s made by National Geographic Kids so I wouldn’t expect anything less than fantastic) and its accurate descriptions of how apples grow and where they come from.
I wanted to share a book with my children that described how apples grow, where you find them, what can be made out of them, how they taste, and how many different types exist. It also touches on the story of Johnny Appleseed, which can spark a whole conversation in itself. Apples for Everyone is an excellent book to have on your bookshelf year round, but especially in the Fall when apples are in season.
Try going apple picking with your family. The apples are fresh, sweet and delicious. Before you go apple picking, read this book so your children are prepared when you get to the orchard. If you are not near an apple orchard, go online and show your child what apple orchards look like. You can also have an apple lesson at your nearest market as an alternative.
With respect to language, this book can help facilitate answering “wh” questions, expanding vocabulary, critical thinking, sequencing (learn the steps of how an apple grows), colors (variety of colors of apples), describing, actions (eating, picking, etc), shapes (apples can be a variety of different shapes such as round, ball or lumpy-bottomed). It can open a discussion for many more topics (e.g., healthy eating, apple picking, history of apples, etc). This can also be a great time to discuss eating caramel apples on Halloween or having apple pie for Thanksgiving. It’s a yummy book in many ways!
Various Ways to Eat Apples: Apples for Everyone helps explore various ways that you and your child can enjoy an apple. Enjoy an apple whole (depending on how old your child is), peeled, and/or cut up as part of a meal, snack or dessert. According to Allison Topilow, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition consultant, apples are a great way to get fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants in your diet. She recommends pairing an apple with a protein source such as a slice of cheese or a tablespoon of nut butter for a well balanced snack. Dip a slice of apple in yogurt and wheat germ for a calcium, protein and fiber boost. Use sliced apple as part of your fondue platter with some melted cheese and/or dark chocolate.
I personally love spreading Biscoff spread or Speculoos spread directly on the apple. You can easily chop up an apple and add it to a bowl of hot oatmeal or add to a pancake, waffle or muffin batter. Sautee the apples with some butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and add to your favorite ice cream. Be creative and enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit!
Carryover baking activities: Low Fat Apple Cinnamon Bread, Apple Challah, or Applesauce
Becca Eisenberg is a certified speech language pathologist and mom of two.Through her own personal challenges at mealtime with her two young children she ventured on creating a website to help parents facilitate language and make mealtime fun. Her website gravitybread.com focuses on facilitating and encouraging language with fun and easy recipes, educational books and recommended toys and apps.
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