Let's go Backer and Backer!: The Crisp, Juicy Apple

by Maureen Devlin, Nancy D. Conde (Illustrator)

Let’s Go Backer and The Crisp, Juicy Apple takes young readers on a playful adventure of curiosity and discovery. A boy happily shares his crisp, juicy apple with a friend, but where did that apple really come from? By going “backer and backer,” children trace the apple’s journey step by step, uncovering its origins and learning how nature, people, and processes work together to bring food to the table. Inspired by the author’s twin daughters and their endless “book fest” questions, this story nurtures wonder about the everyday things we often take for granted.
Benefits for Children

Builds curiosity about food and the natural worldStrengthens sequencing and cause-and-effect thinkingEncourages asking questions and exploring answersSparks appreciation for nature, farming, and sharing with othersHow Parents Can Use This Book
Parents can use The Crisp, Juicy Apple as a fun read-aloud to open conversations about where food comes from. After reading, families can ask their own “backer and backer” How does bread get made? Where do carrots come from? These discussions turn storytime into an interactive learning experience that encourages curiosity, gratitude, and family connection.

26 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Megan Reiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer!: The Crisp, Juicy Apple by Maureen Devlin is an adorable and engaging read that my 3-year-old daughter and I both loved. Since she adores apples and going apple picking, this story was an instant hit in our house. The lively writing and colorful illustrations beautifully capture the fun of exploring an orchard and discovering nature’s sweetness. My daughter loved pointing out each shiny apple and giggling along with the cheerful characters. It’s a charming story that perfectly blends learning, adventure, and family moments—one we’ll be reading again before our next apple-picking day.

[Denise Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a joyful picture book telling the story of a boy who shares his apple with a friend. After the fourth page , young readers will squeal with delight when they catch on to the story’s rhythm going “backer and backer.” As the story progresses I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the voices of little ones singing along with the repetitive pattern. It shows the reader how the gifts to our table comes from the seeds that are planted. Another lovely book from the series Backer and Backer.

Reviewed by Denise Kass

[Kayla Iavarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable! It allows curious minds to follow along the origin story of an apple on the shelves at the grocery store and how it got there. The writing is easy to follow and the pictures help to create imagery. A great education read!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go, Backer and Backer: The Crisp, Juicy Apple is a delightful, feel‑good read that starts with a boy sharing an apple with a friend, and travels through the journey of where that apple came from. The author has a real gift for weaving gentle messages into a fun, kid friendly story, and this one shines with reminders about sharing, kindness, and the love we show through small everyday actions.

Backer and Backer’s journey to find out where that shared, crisp apple came from is charming on its own, but what elevates the book is how the author always incorporates that lesson and natural curiosity of children. I especially love how the author always includes acts of kindness and love into the story, and in this book it’s the kindness in sharing between friends and how the father picked up the apple as a snack for the two friends to share. The illustrations are impeccable, colorful and adds so much to the story.

It’s the kind of book that leaves young readers smiling while also giving families something thoughtful to talk about afterward. A crisp, cozy read with a lot of heart.

[Ray Giustini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Go Backer and Backer!: The Crisp, Juicy Apple is a bright, playful book that makes learning feel like an adventure. Maureen Devlin’s cheerful writing keeps the story moving while inviting young readers to join in on the fun. The theme of apples is simple yet engaging, making it perfect for curious minds and early learners. Nancy D. Conde’s colorful illustrations bring the story to life and add extra personality to each page. The book feels interactive and joyful, encouraging kids to stay involved from beginning to end. Overall, it’s a delightful read that mixes education, imagination, and smiles in every turn of the page

[Lily Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does such a wonderful job of sparking curiosity in young readers. It starts with something simple - a boy sharing his crisp, juicy apple - and then invites us to think about where that apple came from. The “backer and backer” idea is clever and helps kids understand cause and effect in a fun, imaginative way. The story encourages appreciation for everyday things and the people and processes behind them. A sweet and meaningful read for children and parents alike!

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are quite adorable, full of color and bright. I love the way the story builds on the previous part, reminds me a lot of Dr. Seuss, one of my favorites growing up. This book has wonderful educational value, allowing children to understand how such a simple item, as an apple, becomes accessible in their lives. A thought provoking children's book allowing the young readers to develop a deeper understanding of the World around them. I truly love the educational aspect to it!

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

One book in an adorable series of children's books that take simple, daily life activities and trace it back to the origin step by step. The author embraces a child's curiosity about how the world works. Beautifully illustrated. This book is on my daughter's short list of favorite books. I highly recommend!

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, sweet story that kids immediately connect with. The backward storytelling is fun and easy to follow, and it encourages curiosity without feeling forced. It’s warm, gentle, and perfect for little readers who love asking “how did that happen?”