Johnny Appleseed
by Reeve Lindbergh


Johnny Appleseed
by Reeve Lindbergh; illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

While most books focus on the larger-than-life, legendary aspects of Chapman's life, this quiet book focuses on the man's devotion, kindness, and respect for all living things. In fact, Publisher's Weekly concluded its review of the book with the following statement: "Too many versions of the Johnny Appleseed legend make him into a superhero; this work shows him as a gentle, religious man on a mission, a lover of the land with a consuming interest in the environment."

Lindbergh's folk art illustrations are "captivating...rendered in deep tones of rustic blues, browns and golds" --a perfect complement to the story. Admittedly, we really like this style of illustration, but even those unfamiliar with the style will pour over these pages in delight!

A Booklist Editor's Choice Award and Redbook Award winner!


Reading Level for Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

Interest Level:  Grade 1-4
DRA Level:  40
Grade Level Equivalent:  4.5
Guided Reading Level: Q 

Read-Aloud vs. Individual Reading:
For kids in first to third grade, this book will need to be a read-aloud rather than for individual reading, as children generally do not read on the reading level (difficulty level) of this book until the end of third grade. The majority of fourth graders should be able to read this book independently.


See Inside Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

Below are sample spreads from inside this book--to give you an idea of how much text is on each spread and to show the charming, folk art illustrations.  This is the first spread in the book, and sets the scene for the story with the following text:  "In the early days of the American frontier, when most of this nation was still wild, unsettled land, there lived a man of great courage and gentleness who traveled through the wilderness, planting apple seeds. His name was John Chapman, though he came to be known to generations of Americans as  'Johnny Appleseed'. This is one story about his gift to our country."


And this next spread says "These apple trees were planted here / A century ago / A hundred years of springtime bloom, / A hundred years of snow."



Lesson / Activity Ideas for Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh

We found two Pinterest boards that are FULL of fun, cute, educational activities to do about Johnny Appleseed.  You could use this book as a lead in, to teach kids about John Chapman and his life, and then do one of the many activities that are listed on these curated lists:

Johnny Appleseed Activities list #1
Johnny Appleseed Activities list #2