Apple Cider Making Days

by Ann Purmell

Alex and Abigail join the whole family in processing and selling apples and apple cider at their grandfather's farm.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The addition of a fictional family is really the only thing that keeps this book from being a how-to on making apple cider. There's an interesting, though probably too-detailed-for-children explanation of the process, and then, the goods are gathered together to be sold at Grandpa's Apple Barn. My high rating is mostly for the illustrations - especially the last few pages that burst with the autumnal beauty of the farm stand with its piles of pumpkins, apples and mums for sale. Inside, we are treated to pictures of yummy-looking baked goods, homemade jam, and, of course, the cider. I wish I could own a place like this, but I'd certainly settle for a visit.

[Lindsay Lodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the information in the back of the book more than I enjoyed reading the story itself, which I found had a really boring tone to it.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be an interesting look at making apple cider at a small, family-run orchard. However, it was much too wordy for the storytime crowd. Still, with some paraphrasing (and skipping a spread or two), we made it work.

[Anthony Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informational book that would be great for the start of fall talking about apples and how cider is made shows each and every step. The children should easily under stand how it is made and what the difference is from apple sauce

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for a storytime about apples. The text needed a little paraphrasing, but does a great job of explaining what happens on an apple farm and how cider is made.

[Natalie Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the illustrations!

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be much more successful as a nonfiction book for older elementary students. As a picture book I found it boring and wordy and much too long.

[Abby Stopka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good, I think it is great for explaining apple cider two young kids.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐. This was a good story for basic information but lacked depth and character development.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first the book gave the impression that apples turned into cider were from perfect, tree-picked apples. Fortunately, it said that the bruised apples were then turned to cider. That was better. But then there are some myths in the back of the book:

1) Only good-quality aples that are not a perfect shape or color are used. They do not use ground-fallen or rotten apples because they ruin the flavor.

- Half of that is true. Rotten apples do ruin the flavor.
- The other half is false. Ground fallen apples (better known as drops) make the absolute best flavor of cider. It is sweet and rich. Anything else equals low flavor and is usually not sweet (unless the apples have been on the tree too long).

2) Pasteurization of cider is a process that kills bacteria and keeps it fresh longer. Again, half true.

- Pasteurization does kill bacteria.
- It does not keep it fresh longer
~ It merely gives it more shelf life
~ Fresh was before the pasteurization

[R. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought about this book, when reading it, was that I had to share it with several adult friends of mine. This is a lucid and delightful description of making apple cider in a family farm. The illustrations are a bit dated, but the details about the process more than compensate. Get this one if you're doing an autumn or an apples unit!

[CFAITC]

Follow two kids while they make apple cider on their Grandpa's apple farm.