Coping with Apples: With a Side Order of Satire

by L. M. Ford

This story is for grownups even if it doesn’t have gore, swearing or violence, or at least no more violence than many of the tales for children already have. (Let’s face it, stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, etc., have plenty of real or implied violence.) Nor could Coping With Apples be R or X-rated for any other reason. So kids shouldn’t be hurt by reading this, but it’s still for grownups. Let’s just say this is a serving of chicken, with a side order of satire.

Find out what happens when some familiar characters decide they don’t want to follow the script.

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

Reviews

[Jas Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coping with Apples is another absolute gem from L. M. Ford. The story begins with Henny Penny convinced the sky is falling after an apple hits her on the head, and as she rushes off to tell the king, we’re taken on a whimsical journey through a world of familiar childhood characters. But, as with Dancing with Tolstoy, another incredible book by this author, nothing is as we would expect it to be. L.M. Ford weaves sharp wit to twist these classic tales into something that not only make them delightfully funny, but also turning them into something thought-provoking. Beneath the humour lie reflections on the absurdities of human nature, ignorance and prejudice, as well as digs at the way in which our differences are used to divide us.

The writing is superb - witty, and full of insight - making every page a pleasure to read. Once again, L.M. Ford blends intelligence and imagination beautifully, creating a story that’s as layered as it is entertaining. An absolute joy from start to finish and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

[Joan Wendland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling both modern and meta

Coping with Apples is a cute retelling of the classic “The sky is falling” story with a great deal more sense applied to the situation. It has been tweaked to add extra morals and the characters know they’re in a story so it adds depth. Ford should get it illustrated an make a version just for children

[Norb Aikin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute retelling of an old folk tale! Delightful and self-aware. Henny Penny and the crew go on an adventure and meet some interesting characters and challenges along the way, and discover more about themselves than they expected. I know it's written for adults but it's suitable in my opinion for kids too. You're never too young to start learning important life lessons.