How Do Apples Grow?

The life cycle of an apple is explored in this work of picture book natural history from author/illustrator team and husband-and-wife Betsy and Giulio Maestro. From the bare apple tree of winter, when tiny leaf and flower buds lay dormant, to their blossoming in spring, to the development of fruit from apple flowers, the process is described in simple language and through watercolor illustrations. The scientific process behind this transformation—the biology of the flower, the pollination provided by bees—is described, as are a few varieties of apple. The book closes with two children enjoying a treat...

Published in 1992 as part of HarperCollins' Let's-Read-and-Find-Out-Science collection, How Do Apples Grow? is the ninth picture show more book I have read from the Maestros, and the second with a scientific bent, following upon their Why Do Leaves Change Color?, which is part of the same collection. It features an engaging and easily comprehensible narrative that answers the titular question, and appealing watercolor artwork that ably depicts what is being discussed in the text. I'm sure there are a number of other picture books published on this theme, but this one makes a good first introduction to the topic, for grade-schoolers, and it is for that purpose that I would recommend it. show less

Although informational and containing lovely pictures, How Do Apples Grow was a bit dull. The language was not intriguing nor did it hold the attention of three children. However, it is rare in that it provides children with more information about the growth process than "seed, plant, flower, apple." It gives a detailed description using technical language.

This book goes through the entire cycle of apples. It is illustrated and written in a cute, simpler way in order for kids to understand and follow. I even learned new things while reading this book! However, I think the book is written for younger grade levels and I do not think it is interesting enough for them. While it is written in an understanding way, it does not capture the reader's attention, unless they're really interested in this particular subject. The book goes into great detail about the life cycle of apples, which is wonderful, but may be overwhelming for some students.

This book is organized well. It is written in a simplistic manner yet it gives you all the facts on apples that is needed to answer the question. I never new apple flowers have an ovary, or that it was called that. I would recommend this book fully because it is educational and easy to read. This book would be a wonderful classroom tool to introduce a science lesson.

This is a cute, factual story about how apples grow. This book goes through the entire lifespan of an apple. I really like how the illustrations include children. This makes the book relatable for children. I also like how it tells you how to look at an apple to see the different parts from the flower. This is great for children to be able to see in real life. Overall, I think this is a fantastic book when learning about flowers, fruit, or plants!

This is a great story to use during the fall or during apple themes because it talks all about how apples grow. It goes through each of the different seasons and what happens to the apple tree during that time. I like this book because it is easy for children to understand but it still gives them correct information about the life cycle of an apple tree. I think this book would work great for any elementary age student.

This book is about apples; how they grow, get fertilized, and the cycle they go through each year. I did not like this book. I thought it was wordy and difficult to follow. It never really kept my attention and I was easily distracted while trying to read it.
The best part of the book was the illustrations. I thought the pictures stayed with the story line and told a better story then the words of the book. This book would not be my first choice for talking to kids about how plants grow and develop.