About the Holiday
Today’s holiday is steeped in the history of the apple industry in America, beginning with the work of John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, who planted apple trees on his travels across the country in the early 1800s. Due to the popularity of apples and their ease of transportation, a variety of apples were being developed during the mid-to-late 1800s. While the “Ben Davis” apple was at the top of the list in 1880 for its resilience in tough growing climates and long shelf life, it wasn’t the tastiest of apples. As transportation from farm to store became easier and shorter, the Red Delicious emerged as the favorite. It held that position into the 1980s, comprising 75% of all apples grown in Washington state—one of the largest apple producers in the world. While other apple varieties have taken a bite out of the popularity of the Red Delicious, it is still the iconic apple—and the star of today’s holiday!
Little Elliot, Fall Friends
By Mike Curato
Little Elliot the elephant and his best friend Mouse loved the lights, action, and feel of the big city. Sometimes though “the city was too dirty, too loud, and too busy.” Mouse decided they needed a vacation, so they took a bus ride to the country. As they left the buildings and traffic of the city behind for the autumn leaves, rolling hills, and fresh air of the countryside, Elliot and Mouse felt refreshed.
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of mikecurato.com.
When the bus dropped them off, Elliot exclaimed, “‘Wow…the country is even bigger than the city!’” They ran up a hill and relaxed under a tree feeling “the breeze and the sunshine and the soft grass.” Soon, they began to get hungry. Down in an orchard below, they found some juicy red apples to eat. Taking a bite, Elliot thought, “‘The country is delicious!’” Mouse thought the piles of fallen leaves were pretty fun too.
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of us.macmillan.com.
The two played hide-and-seek in the woods, in a pumpkin patch, and in a corn field, where tall brown stalks still stood. Elliot thought the corn field was the perfect hiding spot, but as the sun began to go down and no Mouse appeared to find him, he wondered where Mouse was. “Suddenly, Elliot smelled something delicious.” He followed the aroma out of the corn stalks and to a farm house, where he found a an apple pie cooling on a windowsill.
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of us.macmillan.com.
Elliot came closer, close enough to peek in the window. Just then Mouse jumped out from behind the pie. “‘I found you!’” he said. Elliot was excited to see his friend. It seemed that Mouse had been busy. When he couldn’t find Elliot, he knew just what to do. He made friends with the farm animals, and then they made a pie because Mouse knew that Elliot would follow his nose and come out of his hiding place. “‘Nobody knows me better,’ said Elliot.”
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of mikecurato.com.
Later, the pig, cow, horse, dog, and chicken gathered with Elliot and Mouse around the big picnic table “for a fall feast.” With apple cider served in mason jars, Mouse gave a toast: “‘To new friends!’” and Elliot added “‘And to new treats!’” They fell asleep on the soft hay in the barn, naming the stars that twinkled in the dark sky.
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of mikecurato.com.
Mike Curato’s Little Elliot books enchant little ones, and it’s easy to see why as Elliot and Mouse’s adventure into the countryside offers young readers all the comfort and camaraderie that best friends provide each other. The quietly simple and tender story is highlighted by Curato’s spectacular illustrations that combine the clear precision and details of photography with the playful softness of a favorite stuffed toy. Here and there clever designs in the images reflect the sunny tone and foreshadow the special treat Mouse uses to reunite with his best friend. The final nighttime spreads will fill children with wonder.
Copyright Mike Curato, 2017, courtesy of mikecurato.com.
Little Elliot, Fall Friends is a sweet, sophisticated book that fans of the series will want to add to their collection and new readers will embrace, while also eager to discover the other Little Elliot books: Big City, Big Family, and Big Fun. It’s a “can’t miss” for any child’s bookshelf.
Ages 4 – 8
Henry Holt and Company Books for Young Readers, 2017 | ISBN 978-1627796408
Discover more about Mike Curato and his books plus downloadable Little Elliot activity sheets on his website.
Eat a Red Apple Day Activity
Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Cinnamon apples are a delicious side dish to any meal! This tasty recipe is fun for kids and adults to make together.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of apples, Macintosh or Granny Smith apples are good choices
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon
- Peel and core 2 large apples
- Thinly slice apples
- Combine apples and cinnamon sugar/brown sugar mixture
- Stir until well combined
- Drizzle with lemon juice and stir again
- Cook apples on the stove at medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until desired texture
Picture Book Review
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