Seed by Seed - by Esme Raji Codell

About the Book

His real name was John Chapman. He grew apples. Why should he be remembered, more than 200 years after he was born? Codell and Perkins show in eloquent words and exhilarating pictures why Johnny Appleseed matters now. Full color.

Book Synopsis

With one small seed every day, what good will
you plant in the world? Johnny Appleseed--an American folk
hero--changed our nation seed by seed, deed by deed, and now the acclaimed Esmé
Raji Codell and award-winning Lynne Rae Perkins celebrate his legendary life.

This beautiful biographical picture book is an excellent choice to share during
homeschooling, and includes suggestions for celebrating John Chapman's birthday
(September 26), apple craft ideas, and a recipe.
Why should we remember Johnny Appleseed
today--more than two hundred years after he was born--and call him a hero? Why
are the life and lessons of John Appleseed relevant to kids now? This
extraordinary picture book from educator, librarian, and best-selling author
Esme Raji Codell and award-winning illustrator Lynne Rae Perkins answers these
questions and more--and challenges readers to follow the five footsteps John
Chapman left behind:
1. Use what you have

2. Share what you have

3. Respect nature

4. Try to make peace where there is war

5. You can reach your destination by taking
small steps

An insightful and friendly text, stunning
mixed-media illustrations that combine wood, paper, paint, and fabric, and a
winning mixture of information and inspiration make for a stellar picture book
for all ages. Sure to be a classroom
and seasonal favorite.

From the Back Cover

His real name was John Chapman.
He grew apples.

But wait. So what?
Why should we remember him
and read about him
and think about him
and talk about him today,
more than two hundred years after he was born?
Why should we call him a hero?

Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins show us, in eloquent words and exhilarating pictures, why Johnny Appleseed matters now, perhaps more than ever, in our loud and wired and fast-paced world.

Review Quotes

"Vivacious watercolors . . . [reveal] that the best memories remain resplendent in the imagination." - School Library Journal
Praise for Snow Music: "Masterful and unique." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for Pictures from Our Vacation: School Library Journal Best Books "Perkins is exhilaratingly free in her approach to the picture book form." - Horn Book (starred review)
Praise for The Cardboard Piano: Kirkus Best Book CCBC Choice Horn Book Fanfare "Perkins's . . . watercolors reveal a range of underlying emotions in everyday moments." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Lilting text and . . . sumptuous landscapes." - New York Times Book Review