Describes an apple tree as it grows leaves and flowers and then produces its fruit, while in its branches robins make a nest, lay eggs, and raise a family, and includes a recipe for apple pie - (Baker & Taylor)

Two young sisters follow the progress of their apple tree through the seasons, from a bare tree in the winter, through the pink blossoms of the spring, to the apple picking in the autumn. - (Baker & Taylor)

Horn Book Guide Reviews

Two young sisters witness the changes in their apple tree from winter to autumn, as leaves, then flowers, then finally apples grow, ready for pie-making. A nest in the tree holds baby robins, whose development also helps define growth in a clear, child-centered fashion. Vivid collage illustrates the simple text. A final page contains a pie recipe and simple explanation of the bee's role in pollination. Copyright 1998 Horn Book Guide Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

~ A simple nature story about an apple tree in winter, spring, summer, and fall. ``My sister and I have a tree that grows the best part of apple pie. Can you guess what that is? Apples!'' In winter, the tree is brown, but in spring, leaves grow and a robin nests in the branches. In the days that follow, buds, blossoms, bees, tiny apples, and mature fruit appear. In the final pages, the two girls (with help from adults) make and eat an apple pie. A recipe is included, as is information on how the bee pollinates the apple flower. Halpern uses soft greens, browns, and pinks in the cut- paper collages; careful shading, painting, and layering give the illustrations dimensionality, with the textured nest and marbled tree trunk especially effective. An appealing study for young children. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright 1999 Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal Reviews

PreS-Gr 1-From bud to fruit, two children follow the cycle of an apple tree as it is nurtured through the seasons. The book incorporates the role of bees and the weather in the production of the fruit. Another use of the tree is shown, as a pair of robins build their nest and begin a family. The story ends with a nice, warm apple pie being taken from the oven. The large pictures and text are suitable for young children. The colorful, clear-cut illustrations use a paint and paper collage technique. An end note shows how bees pollinate the tree's flowers and offers a recipe for apple pie. Great for sharing with a group or one-on-one.-Kathy Mitchell, Gadsden Co. Public Library, Quincy, FL