Russ and the Apple Tree Surprise

by Janet Elizabeth Rickert, Pete McGahan (Photographer)

After Russ, a five-year-old with Down syndrome, picks a basket of apples and helps his mother and grandmother make a pie, his grandfather invites him into the backyard for a surprise.

Genres: Picture Books

26 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Sirah · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day, Russ wishes he had a swingset, but all he has is an apple tree. But then Grandma invites him to make apple pie, so he does.

This is a relatable, low-stakes story about a pie. I was hoping it would be a little deeper than that.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-school age children can relate to Russ's desire for a swingset in his backyard. Instead he has an apple tree. Grandpa and Grandma come to visit and help him pick apples and make a pie. While the pie is baking Grandpa installs a tire swing on a branch of the tree.

Some follow up activities to do during story time could be:

Sing to the tune of "Bingo"

"There was a farmer had a tree
And guess what grew upon it?
A-P-P-L-E-S
A-P-P-L-E-S
A-P-P-L-E-S
And apples grew upon it!"

(for this age group just clap as you say each letter).

Or stand and do actions suggested by this verse:

"Way up high in the apple tree" (raise arms above head in a tree shape)
"Two little apples were smiling at me." (make two fists)
"I shook that tree as hard as I could." (shake your arms and trunk)
"Down came the apples." (bring fists down or bend over or squat)
"Mmmmmm, they were good." (pretend to take a bite or rub tummy)

Repeat as often as there is still energy for this.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathaniel loves this book! It's about a little boy named Russ who really wants a swing set, but complains because there's just an old apple tree in the backyard.

His family is able to help him see that the apple tree isn't so bad. They pick apples together, then Russ helps his mother and grandmother with each step in making an apple pie. After eating their dessert, his grandpa surprises him with his very own swing (hanging from the apple tree). I think the storyline is perfect for four and five-year-olds. Also, one of Nathaniel's favorite things to do is to help me cook, so he was really excited about the photos showing Russ washing the apples and rolling out the pie crust. What a great book!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to add to your library. It shows children that no matter who you are and what condition you may have, we all want to live our childhood as "normal" as possible. The story is short, sweet, and right to the point!

[Rebecca Mullins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Russ is a child who has Down Syndrome. This is a great book for learning about disabilities or diverse peoples. It shows that just because someone has a disability it doesn't mean that they are incapable of living life happily. It's a great motivator.

[Logan Young]

1st grade. Quick read. Russ learns why apple trees are fun.

[Samantha Fortune · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book depicts the day in the live of a littl eboy named Russ who happens to have down syndrome. Russ is very sad because he really wants a swing set in his backyard but he only has an apple tree. Russ's family comes together to show Russ that the apple tree can be fun too.
I gave this story a 2 star rating, because although the illustrations are very good, I dont think the author did a great job of depicting the life of someone with down syndrome. Personally, I love children with down syndrome, and I don't think the essence of their disability was captured to to its full potential.