Book Review: How Do Apples Grow? by Jill McDonald
Updated: Oct 9
If your toddler has ever asked, "Where do apples come from?", this is the book for you. How Do Apples Grow? is part of Jill McDonald's Hello, World! series, sturdy board books that explain real science in words little kids understand.
What it's about
The book follows an apple from the very beginning: a seed planted in soil, given sunlight, water and air. It grows into a small tree, then a big tree, then a tree full of apples, and it ends with something tasty made from them. Each page has one simple sentence in big type, plus a little extra fact in smaller type for grown-ups who want to add more.
Why we like it
It's short, bright and true. The illustrations are bold and friendly, and the two levels of text grow with your child: read just the big sentence to a two-year-old, and add the extra facts for a four-year-old. It's also a board book, so it survives being carried around, chewed and read fifteen times in a row.
How to read it with your little one
Cut an apple in half and look for the seeds before you start. "This is where the whole tree starts!"
Ask, "What does the seed need to grow?" and count the answers on your fingers.
After reading, act it out: curl up small like a seed, then slowly grow into a tall tree with branch arms.
Good to know
Best for: ages 1–4
Read time: about 3 minutes
Pairs with: today's Build an Apple Tree, and Wednesday's Apple Life Cycle worksheet
Get the book:Get it on Amazon · It's also easy to find at your local library.
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More for this week: see all our Apple activities, Letter B activities and Number 2 activities.
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