Apple Days

A Rosh Hashanah Story

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Katy’s favorite holiday is Rosh Hashanah, when she gets to pick apples and make applesauce with her mother. But what happens when the tradition is interrupted by the early arrival of her baby cousin?

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978-1-5124-8755-8
$22.99
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Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Copyright 2014
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2014-08-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV013040, JUV033020, JUV017090
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Lexile 590
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, Recipes, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Allison Sarnoff Soffer

Allison Sarnoff Soffer grew up in the New York area. She attended Princeton and Columbia Universities and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her family.

Illustrator: Bob McMahon

Bob McMahon can never remember a time when he didn’t draw, even when his teachers wanted him to stop. He received his degree in art from Cal State Northridge and has worked as a political cartoonist, advertising artist and children’s book illustrator. He works digitally, from sketch to final color artwork. Bob was also a movie extra in “MacArthur” with Gregory Peck. He is the illustrator of many children’s books.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Apple Days

Katy’s favorite holiday is Rosh Hashanah, when she gets to pick apples and make applesauce with her mother. But what happens when the tradition is interrupted by the early arrival of her baby cousin? View available downloads →

Reviews

Jewish Book World

“Seeing members of the community pitch in to help Katy, and following along as she and her father cook might inspire readers to start a new Rosh Hashana tradition.” — Jewish Book World

Jewish Journal

“Every year at holiday time, Katy looks forward to making applesauce with her mother. When she shares her excitement with her religious school classmates, she also mentions the other exciting news: Later in the month, she will have a new baby cousin.

A well-written, preschool-appropriate story of a young child and her mother sharing the love of picking fresh apples and then cooking together, ‘Apple Days’ blends the themes of the Rosh Hashanah holiday with the value of living as part of a warm Jewish community. When the baby arrives on the exact day Katy is planning to go apple picking with her mom, she is disappointed, and it makes her sad that her plans have been thwarted. But her caring community of friends, including the crossing guard, her teacher, principal, hairdresser, shoe salesman and rabbi, work together to make Katy’s applesauce-making day as enjoyable as she had hoped it would be. Katy learns how to work around disappointment with the help of her father and friends and shares her cooking success with her classmates and even the new baby. Alert readers may note that the illustrator has realistically depicted an ethnically diverse Hebrew school class – a nice change from other books for the Jewish preschool set. (Also, no biggie here: a woman rabbi.) An applesauce recipe at the end looks very tasty and would be easy to make with young children upon finishing this cheery, enjoyable book.” — Jewish Journal

American Jewish World

“Soffer’s first children’s book is an entertaining read that will delight young children who will share Katy’s enthusiasm. McMahon’s colorful, cartoon-like illustrations radiate high spirit and energy.” — American Jewish World

Booklist

“this will be welcomed by young families and religious preschools looking for holiday activities” — Booklist Online

Publishers Weekly

“Soffer understands how kids savor rituals: every step is significant, and anticipation is to be broadly shared.” — Publisher’s Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

“This is a simple story and on the face of it a slight one, but underneath, it’s an extremely moving tale.” — Kirkus Reviews