Johnny Appleseed

by James Howard Kunstler, Stan Olson (Illustrator)

Describes the life of the eccentric man who helped nineteenth-century American settlers, planting apples every place he stopped.

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

James Howard Kunstler (born 1948) is an American author, social critic, and blogger who is perhaps best known for his book The Geography of Nowhere, a history of suburbia and urban development in the United States. He is prominently featured in the peak oil documentary, The End of Suburbia, widely circulated on the internet. In his most recent non-fiction book, The Long Emergency (2005), he argues that declining oil production is likely to result in the end of industrialized society and force Americans to live in localized, agrarian communities.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the pioneer days of America, there was a man named Johnny Chapman, whom everyone would nickname Johnny Appleseed. He had planted many varieties of apples across the lands of Ohio as others traveled westward. This Rabbit Ears book adds more to the lore of Johnny Appleseed, especially in how he was friends to all living things, no matter how big or small. I found the watercolor illustrations to breathe life into the era of pioneer travels and truly shows the panoramic scenery featured in this story. There is plenty of text also for readers to learn and follow along in learning about Johnny Appleseed. A soft, easy-going story of a man who would become part of American legend.

[James Biser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great version of the tall-tale of John Chapman, who we often call Johnny Appleseed. He spends his life planting trees and curing the sick humans and animals he encounters. He is also able to converse with the horses, birds and other denizens of the forests and orchards that he plants and loves to visit.

[Megan Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is such a classic. It is about a man named Johnny Appleseed, who plants apple seeds all over Ohio and greets everyone he meets. He helps animals in trouble, provides food where he can, and always treats plants and animals with respect. This story would be great for a lesson on apples, Ohio, hard work, or taking care of animals.

[Valeri Drach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I like this adaption of the Johnny Appleseed story. There’s a section on the main character receiving virgin brides in Heaven for his loving all creatures on Earth. Illustrations are well done and give sweeping perspectives on early Nineteen Century landscapes in Ohio.